Going through divorce is stressful enough and, when children are involved, the process can become especially complicated. At Law Offices of Steven P. Monaghan, our team genuinely cares about providing clients with the guidance they need to work through their child custody case as favorably as possible. Highly skilled in both negotiation and litigation, we are prepared to represent you if your case must be handled in the courtroom. Whether you and your former spouse are able to establish the terms of your child custody arrangement amicably, or your situation must be handled in front of a judge, you can be confident that your case will be in highly qualified hands when you turn to our firm for assistance.
Compassionate & Experienced
Custody Lawyer
At Law Offices of Steven P. Monaghan, we know that there is nothing more important than preserving the relationships you have built with your children.
Begin with a Consultation-
Experienced
With plenty of experience handling countless child custody cases, we know what it takes to ensure your process goes as smoothly as possible.
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Skilled
Seasoned and skilled in negotiation and litigation, we can represent you whether your custody case must be resolved in or out of the courtroom.
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Passionate
We genuinely care about our clients and are passionate about doing all we can to ensure the interests of you and your children are protected.
Child Custody Attorney
Our Mission Is to Protect What Matters Most: (732) 876-9326
How Is Custody Determined?
First and foremost, determining who will get custody is based on the best interests of the child. However, what is in the best interests of the child actually depends on a number of factors.
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Environment
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Parent-Child Relationships
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Health of All Parties
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Health & Developmental Adjustments
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Child’s Living Pattern
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Child’s Preference
You May Be Wondering...
Frequently Asked Questions
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Questions
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Is custody granted to only one parent?
Answer
Not always. It is actually common for courts to grant at least partial custody to both parents—also known as joint custody. While joint physical custody refers to the child spending a substantial amount of time with each parent, joint legal custody refers to the parents determining important decisions together, such as those involving medical, educational and religious matters.
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Will I have to take my case to court?
Answer
It is not uncommon for a child custody case to need to be taken to court. When you work with our firm, we will try to help you reach an amicable resolution; however, this is not always possible. If you are unable to resolve your case peacefully, we are prepared to represent you in court, where we will ensure your rights and your child’s interests are protected.
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Can anyone other than a parent obtain custody?
Answer
In some situations, parties other than the child’s parents may wish to obtain custody, such as grandparents, an aunt, uncle, or family friend. This may be referred to as non-parental or third-party custody, and is often closely related to obtaining guardianship the child.
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Why do I need an attorney?
Answer
The family law system can be complicated, and child custody processes can be personal and emotional. You need a lawyer who will guide you through the family law system, ensure your process goes as smoothly as possible, and help you reach a solution that is tailored to meet you and your child’s unique needs.
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Steven P. Monaghan
Board-Certified Matrimonial Law Expert
Steven P. Monaghan, a highly respected divorce lawyers, focuses his practice exclusively in this area, including handling litigation, collaborative matters, and mediation, and has been Certified by the New Jersey Supreme in Matrimonial Law since 2006. This certification is awarded only to attorneys who have demonstrated their skill and achievement in matrimonial law.
With 23 years of experience, Mr. Monaghan has a proven dedication to the law and helping families. He has served on the Monmouth County Family Law Committee and has also been a private arbitrator for the Matrimonial Early Settlement Panel Program for 16 years and is a qualified mediator participating in the Mediation Program for Economic Aspects of Family Law since the program began. He has been appointed as Guardian Ad Litem for children of families going through litigation and has been trusted to resolve hundreds of high conflict cases before litigation.
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Kristin S. Pallonetti
Attorney
Kristin S. Pallonetti, Esq. is one of the top family law attorneys in the area. In 2014 she was named one of the Top Young Attorneys in New Jersey by Super Lawyers Rising Stars. She was again named by Super Lawyers as a New Jersey Rising Star in 2015.
She has an active family law trial practice, and she has tried numerous cases, including cases that involve domestic violence, alimony cohabitation, child support, parenting time, custody, and enforcement of support and custody orders. Before embarking on her private practice, Ms. Pallonetti completed a judicial law clerkship with the Honorable Eugene A. Iadanza, A.J.S.C., former presiding Judge of Monmouth and Mercer Counties, where her focus as a clerk was in the area of family and juvenile law. She also served as a Court Mediator for the Special Civil Division under the supervision of the Honorable Lisa P. Thorton, JA.J.S.C. where she mediated countless cases.
Ms. Pallonetti's prior legal experience also included a clerkship at the New Haven County Court where she aided victims of domestic violence in file temporary restraining orders. She also served in clerkship with the firm Campbell, Foley, Lee, Murphy & Cernigliaro in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and a clerkship with the Law Offices of Erskine D. McIntosh in Hamden, Connecticut.
Ms. Pallonetti graduated Cum Laude from Quinnipiac University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and a minor in English in 2003. She received her Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude from Quinnipiac University School of Law in 2008 where she was the Executive VP of the Mock Trial Honor Society, recipient of the Sappern Fellowship, Admissions Ambassador for the law school and a member in both the Family Law and Constitutional Law Societies.
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Jessica L. Berg
Attorney
Divorce Attorney Jessica L. Berg practices exclusively in matrimonial law at the Law Office of Steven P. Monaghan, LLC. Since graduating Widener University School of Law, where she received recognition for her volunteer and pro bono work, she gained valuable experience working at a firm that solely handled family law matters, as well as experience with the non-profit group, the Community Health Law Project, that assists disabled individuals with matrimonial and civil law issues. Ms. Berg also worked with the Delaware Civil Clinic and was certified by the Supreme Court of Delaware to handle and litigate cases involving obtaining protection or restraining orders for those harmed by domestic violence and abuse.
Why Choose Our Firm?
Clients First. Quality Always.
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30+ Years of Combined Experience
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Thousands of Cases Handled
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Exclusively Practicing Family Law
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Certified by the Supreme Court of NJ
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Complimentary, In-Person Consultations