When children are involved in a divorce, establishing visitation rights can be a central and heated point of contention. Feelings of anger, distrust, and confusion can complicate dispute resolution, making it difficult to know what you are supposed to do. However, you do not have to go through this process alone and at Law Offices of Steven P. Monaghan, we are here to help. Backed by years of experience, we know the law, we know the courts, and we can help you understand your legal options. Whether you are currently working through a divorce or you need to modify an existing agreement, our team can be a guiding voice in your corner every step of the way. It is our goal to find legal solutions that are in your family’s best interest so that you may begin the next chapter of your life as soon as possible.
Proven Legal Guidance for Your
Visitation Rights
Through arbitration, mediation, or litigation, we can fight to see that you get the time you deserve with your child.
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Compassionate
Our team truly cares about each person who walks through our doors and we are passionate about securing your visitation rights.
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Knowledgeable
With substantial experience helping clients through the toughest visitation cases, there is no situation that is too complex for us to handle.
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Client-Focused
By taking the time to understand your family situation, we can craft legal strategies tailored to your goals.
Visitation Rights Attorney in
Get the Legal Answers You Deserve: Call (732) 876-9326
How Is Visitation Determined?
A judge will make decisions regarding visitation rights based on what is in the best interests of the child. Typically, this means that parental preferences and opinions are trumped by the situations that prioritize the child’s care. The best interest of a child can be influenced by numerous factors.
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Health-Related Needs
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Parent-Child Relationship
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Financial Capabilities
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The Age of the Child
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Ability to Provide Care
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Parental Environment
Frequently Asked Questions
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Questions
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What Is Supervised Visitation?
Answer
Visitation agreements can come in many forms and supervised visitation is one such variant. Here, a judge may award the non-custodial parent time with the child; however, the parent cannot do so alone. These agreements may also specify conditions such as the duration and location of such visits.
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Can a Grandparent Be Granted Visitation?
Answer
Yes. However, the situations where a judge may grant one or more grandparents visitation rights can be highly specific. As with most cases involving child custody and visitation, a judge will make decisions based on what is in the best interest of the child.
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Can I Modify an Existing Agreement?
Answer
While it can be difficult to change an agreement, it may be possible to secure a modification. Typically, a judge will grant a modification only if it can be shown that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred since the original order was issued. If you would like to learn more about your specific situation, get in touch with our legal team today.
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Should I Hire an Attorney?
Answer
An agreement regarding visitation can affect your family for years to come. With so much on the line, you can’t afford to leave anything to chance. Experienced legal advocates like those at our firm, can help you protect your interests every step of the way. Call us today and discover how we can help.
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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