Do I need a lawyer to file for custody?

No. Every state has self-represented (pro se) filing options, and most county courthouses have a Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center that provides forms and guidance at no cost. A lawyer is strongly recommended if the case is contested, involves abuse allegations, or requires relocation or interstate issues.

How is 'best interest of the child' actually decided?

Judges weigh factors including each parent's ability to provide stability, the child's relationship with each parent, any history of violence or substance abuse, the child's preference (usually after a certain age), work schedules, and each parent's willingness to support the other's relationship with the child. Specific factors are listed in each state's custody statute.

Can I get 50/50 custody as a father?

Yes. Most states now have a presumption of — or strong preference for — joint legal and joint physical custody when both parents are fit and engaged. Fathers who show consistent involvement, stable housing, and willingness to coordinate with the mother have strong odds of receiving substantial parenting time, up to 50/50.

What if my ex violates the custody order?

File a Motion for Contempt or a Motion to Enforce with the court. Document every missed exchange, refused visit, or violation with dates, times, messages, and witnesses. Most courts treat repeated violations seriously, with remedies ranging from make-up time to modification of custody to sanctions.

Custody & Visitation in New Jersey

9 verified resources.

About Custody & Visitation for Fathers

Custody and visitation cases are handled at the state and county level, typically through each state's family court or unified family division. Every state follows some version of the 'best interest of the child' standard, but the specifics — how judges weigh parental fitness, how parenting time is structured, how modifications are granted — vary widely. Most states have free self-help centers inside their main courthouses where fathers can get forms, file paperwork, and receive guidance without hiring an attorney. National organizations like the ABA, Cordell & Cordell, and various fathers' rights groups supplement local resources. This directory combines official state court self-help portals, county-level family law facilitators, private family law firms that represent fathers, and fatherhood advocacy organizations — all verified and up to date.

Custody & Visitation in New Jersey

New Jersey Superior Court Family Part handles family law in each of its 15 vicinages. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and Trenton are the largest cities. Legal Services of New Jersey coordinates six regional LSC-funded programs covering all 21 counties.

9 Resources

1. Passaic County Family Court — Free

Passaic County Superior Court Family Division in Paterson serves custody, parenting time, divorce, and domestic relations cases for Passaic County residents. Located on the 8th floor at 401 Grand St. Bring all relevant documents, parenting agreements, and financial records. Walk-in assistance available; complex matters may require an attorney. Free self-help resources available at the courthouse.

973-653-2910 · 401 Grand St, 8th Floor, Paterson, NJ 07505 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. NJ Courts Self-Help Center — Free

Official statewide self-help resource from the NJ Judiciary providing free court forms, step-by-step instructions, and guidance for representing yourself in family court proceedings. Access forms for custody, child support, domestic violence, and divorce. Available online at njcourts.gov and in person at courthouses statewide. No legal training required to use these resources. Staff can assist with form navigation.

609-421-6100 · 25 Market St, Trenton, NJ 08625 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. NJ Parenting Mediation Program — Free

Court-sponsored volunteer mediation program helping parents develop custody and parenting time agreements without adversarial litigation. Available through all NJ Family Division vicinages statewide. Trained mediators facilitate discussions between parents to reach workable parenting plans. Sessions are confidential and free. Contact your local Family Division to schedule an appointment. Bring proposed parenting schedules and any prior agreements to your session.

609-421-6100 · Available through all NJ Superior Court vicinages · By appointment through local Family Division · Visit Website

4. Ocean County Family Court — Free

Ocean County Superior Court Family Division in Toms River handles custody, parenting time, divorce, child support, and family law cases for the Jersey Shore region. Located at 118 Washington St. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Bring all court documents, agreements, and financial records. Self-help resources are available on site for unrepresented parties navigating family court matters.

732-929-2062 · 118 Washington St, Toms River, NJ 08754 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Atlantic County Family Court — Free

Atlantic County Superior Court Family Division in Atlantic City handles custody, parenting time, divorce, child support, and domestic violence matters. Located at 1201 Bacharach Blvd. Open Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Bring government-issued ID, relevant court orders, financial documents, and any existing parenting agreements. Self-help forms and staff assistance are available for those representing themselves.

609-402-0100 · 1201 Bacharach Blvd, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Morris County Family Court — Free

Morris County Superior Court Family Division in Morristown handles custody, parenting time, divorce, child support, and domestic violence cases. Located at 10 Court St. Office hours Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Bring all prior court orders, financial documentation, and parenting plan proposals. Self-help resources and court forms are available for parties without an attorney navigating the family court system.

973-656-4300 · 10 Court St, Morristown, NJ 07960 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Burlington County Family Court — Free

Burlington County Superior Court Family Division in Mount Holly serves custody, parenting time, divorce, child support, and family law cases for Burlington County residents. Located at 49 Rancocas Rd. Open Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Bring court documents, parenting agreements, and financial records. Self-help forms and procedural guidance are available for individuals representing themselves in family proceedings.

609-518-2500 · 49 Rancocas Rd, Mount Holly, NJ 08060 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Cumberland County Family Court — Free

Cumberland County Superior Court Family Division in Bridgeton handles custody, parenting time, divorce, child support, and domestic relations cases for southern NJ families. Located at 60 W Broad St. Open Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Bring identification, existing court orders, and any parenting plan documents. Court staff can direct unrepresented parties to self-help resources and filing assistance.

856-453-4300 · 60 W Broad St, Bridgeton, NJ 08302 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

9. Somerset County Family Court — Free

Somerset County Superior Court Family Division in Somerville handles custody, parenting time, divorce, child support, and domestic violence proceedings for the tri-county region. Located at 20 N Bridge St. Open Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Bring court orders, financial records, and parenting proposals. Self-help resources and court forms are available on site for individuals without legal representation.

908-231-7600 · 20 N Bridge St, Somerville, NJ 08876 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

Custody & Visitation — Common Questions

Do I need a lawyer to file for custody?: No. Every state has self-represented (pro se) filing options, and most county courthouses have a Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center that provides forms and guidance at no cost. A lawyer is strongly recommended if the case is contested, involves abuse allegations, or requires relocation or interstate issues.
How is 'best interest of the child' actually decided?: Judges weigh factors including each parent's ability to provide stability, the child's relationship with each parent, any history of violence or substance abuse, the child's preference (usually after a certain age), work schedules, and each parent's willingness to support the other's relationship with the child. Specific factors are listed in each state's custody statute.
Can I get 50/50 custody as a father?: Yes. Most states now have a presumption of — or strong preference for — joint legal and joint physical custody when both parents are fit and engaged. Fathers who show consistent involvement, stable housing, and willingness to coordinate with the mother have strong odds of receiving substantial parenting time, up to 50/50.
What if my ex violates the custody order?: File a Motion for Contempt or a Motion to Enforce with the court. Document every missed exchange, refused visit, or violation with dates, times, messages, and witnesses. Most courts treat repeated violations seriously, with remedies ranging from make-up time to modification of custody to sanctions.