Burlington County Family Law Lawyers

We Protect What Matters Most to You

For years, the legal team at Burnham Douglass has delivered top rated service to our clients across the state of New Jersey, including Burlington County. With our extensive background in all aspects of law, especially family law, we are true advocates for our clients and work diligently to resolve matters with your best interests in mind.

Located east of Philadelphia across the Delaware River, Burlington County is the largest county in New Jersey and one of its most populated. We proudly serve the all of the residents of Burlington County with any of their family law needs, including adoption, child custody or child support, divorce, prenuptial agreements, and all others.

With an office located in Marlton, New Jersey, we understand the complexities of family law and that every case is different. We handle cases and develop unique solutions to your case, with a strong focus on the many elements of family law, including:

Adoption

Adding to your family is an exciting journey, though it can be complicated and stressful legally. Burnham Douglass can help you and your family during the long adoption process ahead of you. Adoption requires clearances, paperwork, and background checks, among other hurdles. Fortunately, adoptions in New Jersey are permanent without a waiting period. New Jersey is also comparatively open to adoptions by many kinds of families, as parents of any sexual orientation or marital status are allowed to adopt.

Child Custody

Child custody is always a complicated matter, regardless of whether the divorce was amicable or not, and Burnham Douglass is here to help. We will tirelessly defend your rights as a parent with your children’s best interests in mind. Child custody agreements can include sole physical custody, joint physical custody, sole legal custody, and joint legal custody. We, along with the courts, will help you reach an ideal arrangement that fits your needs and your children’s needs.

Child Support

Following a divorce, the parents have a financial obligation to their child or children regardless of who has custody. Our team can help with child support and related matters, such as providing a fair child support agreement, help enforcing child support, or helping to modify an existing order.

Divorce

There are different types of divorces that allow a marriage to end, each with their own legal processes. An at-fault divorce is when one spouse is at fault for causing the marriage to end, allowing the aggrieved spouse to file for divorce right away. A no-fault divorce is different: both spouses must be separated for at least 18 months before filing. Every divorce is unique and treated on a case-by-case basis. There must be grounds for every divorce, even for no-fault divorces, which could include adultery, abandonment, alcoholism, or emotional cruelty. Finally, at-fault divorces could face legal defenses that could mean the divorce will not be granted. Our team is thoroughly versed in all aspects of New Jersey’s divorce law and stands ready to help you through your unique situation.

Domestic Violence

In New Jersey, domestic violence is a serious offense, and there are several protections for domestic violence victims. The New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA) protects anyone over the age of 18 years who is being abused, either physically or sexually, or threatened, by their current or former spouse, dating partner, household member, or parent. Unfortunately, many domestic violence cases go unreported, as it includes not just physical harm but psychological and mental harm as well.

Emancipation of a Child

Emancipation of a child is when a child is no longer legally under the care of a parent, meaning that they are no longer eligible for financial support from a parent. Emancipation can only happen through the court. When determining emancipation, the court will need to determine that the child is financially self-sufficient, is living independently, demonstrates maturity, and can fulfill their own needs. Furthermore, turning 18 does not automatically qualify an individual as emancipated.

Modifications to Support Agreements

Many individuals may eventually need to modify an existing support agreement. A major life event normally will cause a modification request, such as remarriage, job loss, serious illness or injury, relocation for employment, or criminal activity.

Prenuptial Agreements

When one of both individuals are bringing assets

or debts into a marriage, a prenuptial agreement is highly recommended, especially if a partner owns a business or has significant investments. A prenuptial agreement is a contract that determines how assets and liabilities are handled in the event of a divorce. A prenuptial agreement can include rights concerning real estate or property, modification to spousal support, how wills are handled, or how to distribute life insurance proceeds.

Visitation Rights

Visitation or “parenting time” is the time that the non-custodial parent spends with their child. Visitation time is normally determined between the two parents, but if an agreement cannot be reached, the courts will have to step in and make the decision. The courts consider the parents’ willingness to cooperate, if there is any abusive behavior, and the child’s own desires and how their relationship is with both parents.

Why Hire Burnham Douglass?

Our attorneys at Burnham Douglass have over 70 years of combined experience representing clients throughout New Jersey. We handle all complex family law cases, and we will take the time to get to know you, your family, and your case. We strive to meet the unique needs of each and every client.

We understand that choosing the right family law attorney is a tough decision, but our professionalism, experience, compassion, and dedication will make that decision easier. We can review your case and help you reach the best possible outcome.