Child Custody Attorney in Holmdel, NJ
Local Counsel with New Jersey’s Highest Matrimonial Law Credential
Custody is often the most emotionally charged issue in any separation or divorce. For Holmdel parents, the decisions made now can shape where their children live, who guides their upbringing, and how parenting time is structured for years to come. The Family Law Offices Of Megan S. Murray is physically located in Holmdel and represents clients throughout Monmouth County in custody matters ranging from parenting plan negotiations to contested trials.
Attorney Megan S. Murray holds Certification as a Matrimonial Law Attorney from the Supreme Court of New Jersey, the state’s highest recognition in this field. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys and serves on its Board of Managers. Membership in the Matrimonial Lawyers Alliance is limited to 50 family law attorneys statewide; Megan is among them. She has been selected for Best Lawyers of America, placing her among the top 5% of practitioners in the nation, and has appeared on the Super Lawyers Top 50 list across multiple years. The firm has also received Best Law Firms recognition.
If you’re facing a custody dispute in Holmdel or the surrounding area, call us at (732) 858-0282 to schedule a consultation with Megan directly.
Legal Custody, Physical Custody, & Parenting Time in New Jersey
New Jersey treats custody as two distinct questions. Legal custody refers to decision-making authority over a child’s health, education, and general welfare. Physical custody governs where the child lives and how time is divided between parents. Courts most often award joint legal custody, allowing both parents to share major decisions even when the child primarily resides with one of them. Sole legal custody is available when joint arrangements aren’t appropriate given the circumstances.
Physical custody and parenting time work together but aren’t interchangeable. A joint physical custody arrangement doesn’t require a strict 50/50 schedule; it reflects the court’s preference that both parents maintain meaningful involvement in the child’s life. New Jersey also recognizes parenting time as a separate right of the non-custodial parent. Custody questions arise in divorce, separation, and paternity proceedings alike.
Client Reviews
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"I never doubted her commitment to a solution that was in my best interest."P.W.
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"From the very first consultation she was professional, responsive and genuinely cared about my case."D.W.
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"I’d work with Megan again in a heartbeat."M.G.
How Monmouth County Courts Decide Custody
New Jersey custody decisions are governed by the best interests of the child standard under N.J.S.A. 9:2-4. When a custody matter is contested, Monmouth County Superior Court, Family Part judges weigh a range of factors specific to the family before them.
Factors Courts Consider
Each parent’s ability to communicate and cooperate, the child’s relationship with each parent, stability of the home environment, parental fitness, educational needs and continuity, the proximity of each parent’s home, and any history of domestic abuse all factor into the analysis. A child of sufficient age and maturity may express a preference the court can consider; New Jersey generally sets that threshold at age 14. The state’s custody framework favors both parents having meaningful involvement in a child’s life, but that presumption can be overcome by evidence of unfitness, neglect, abuse, or domestic violence, any of which can significantly restrict or modify a parent’s custody rights.
Mediation & Contested Hearings
Before a contested custody case proceeds to a plenary hearing, mediation may be required under New Jersey court rules. It offers a confidential path to resolution at lower cost, though it isn’t appropriate in every case, particularly those involving domestic violence. When mediation doesn’t resolve the dispute, a Monmouth County Family Part judge hears evidence and issues binding custody orders.
Our Approach to Holmdel Custody Cases
Megan’s approach starts with negotiation and, where appropriate, mediation, because agreements reached by parents tend to hold up better over time than orders imposed after trial. When litigation is necessary, she is prepared to present evidence and advocate in Monmouth County Family Part. Clients work directly with Megan and can expect timely responses and clear communication at every stage.
Megan co-authored Divorce in New Jersey and has written extensively on family law topics. She served as Chair of the Monmouth County Bar Association’s Family Law Committee and as Chair of the Family Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association for the 2023–2024 term. Brian R. Murray serves as Of Counsel to the firm, bringing additional experience in civil litigation and family law. The firm handles the full range of custody matters: initial parenting plans, contested trials, mediation representation, and modifications when circumstances change. Parental relocation cases require court approval in New Jersey when a proposed move would interfere with the other parent’s parenting time, and modifications are available when there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was entered.
Talk with a Holmdel Child Custody Lawyer
Protecting your relationship with your children starts with understanding your options. The Family Law Offices Of Megan S. Murray represents parents and families throughout Monmouth County in all phases of custody proceedings, from initial parenting plans to contested trials. Call us at (732) 858-0282 or reach out through our online contact form to schedule your consultation with Megan today.
Awards, Qualifications & Recognition
Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (732) 858-0282.