Cherry Hill Family Law Lawyers

We Advocate for Your Best Interest

The umbrella of family law encompasses a wide variety of family matters, such as divorce, child support, or adoption. The majority of family law attorneys handle divorce proceedings and related issues such as spousal support, child custody and visitation, and more. However, the field is broad and includes many sensitive matters that are not often thought of as family law, such as domestic violence, prenuptial agreements, or the emancipation of a minor child.

At Burnham Douglass, our years of experience and extensive knowledge of the law to help clients throughout New Jersey resolve complex family law issues. Our seasoned Cherry Hill legal team has a sophisticated understanding of a wide range of family law matters and the skills to develop creative solutions to even the most difficult circumstances. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!

What Are Some of Burnham Douglass’ Family Law Practice Areas?

Our top-notch Cherry Hill family law attorneys practice a wide range of family law matters, from prenuptial agreements, to divorce, and child emancipation. Whatever your family law needs, you deserve effective legal counsel from the skilled and knowledgeable attorneys at Burnham Douglass. Some of the family law practice areas we specialize in include:

Prenuptial agreements: Marrying is one of the most important decisions you will make in life, and when one or both bride and groom are bringing significant assets or debts to the marriage, protecting those interests is imperative. This is a crucial element to consider if one or both partners own businesses or have significant interests in other forms of investments. In these situations, the majority of couples prefer developing a prenuptial agreement to address how these liabilities and interests will be handled in the event the marriage is dissolved at a later date.
Divorce: The majority of divorces in New Jersey are deemed at-fault or no-fault divorces or annulments:
- At-fault divorce: Aggrieved spouses can file for divorce quickly in at-fault divorces, as there is no waiting period to file for divorce in cases where one spouse is clearly at fault for ending the marriage.
- No-fault divorce: Couples who wish to divorce for equal or shared reasons, not the fault of one spouse, must be legally separated and living apart from one another for at least 18 months before filing for divorce and provide documentation proving the separation when filing.
- Annulment: Couples dissolve the marriage the same as in a divorce, except an annulment vacates the marriage entirely, as though it never happened in the first place. In New Jersey, couples must meet certain strict requirements to qualify for an annulment.

If you are considering divorce, the most important first step is choosing the right lawyer. Our Burnham Douglass Cherry Hill family attorneys have extensive experience negotiating and litigating complex and contested divorces with the matters of division of property and debt, complex child custody issues, and spousal support.

Visitation: In divorce proceedings, the two most contentious issues are child custody and visitation arrangements, even in divorces otherwise considered amicable. In New Jersey, the parent without primary custody is given visitation time to spend with the children. If possible, we encourage both parents to determine their own visitation arrangements that work for everyone. If neither can agree, the courts have the authority to step in and make the decision for you, typically opting for a shared arrangement unless one parent is deemed unfit to care for the children. Regardless, the court’s decision will always be determined based on the best interests of the children, as should yours if you and your spouse are developing your own visitation arrangements. The Burnham Douglass family law team understands how precious your children are to you and we will do everything in our power to help you maintain an active presence in their lives.
Emancipation: In New Jersey, a minor child can be considered emancipated if the child has achieved independent status beyond the level of responsibility of the parents, including financially. Minors are not automatically considered emancipated in New Jersey upon becoming aged 18 or a high school graduate. Emancipated children do not receive financial support, including child support, from either parent. A child may be eligible for emancipation if their independence can be proven by determining:

The child is financially self-supportive
- The child is currently living independently from the parents
- Demonstrates an adult-level maturity
- Capable of fulfilling their own needs and interests

The decision of whether a child will be emancipated is solely the court’s and will be determined by a combination of the family’s circumstances and the child’s best interests.

When you work with our Cherry Hill family legal team, you will find an unparalleled dedication to your well-being. Our compassionate family law attorneys have helped thousands of families overcome a variety of complex disputes. To best suit your needs throughout your case, we offer a free initial consultation, multi-lingual services, same-day appointments, and after-hours / weekend appointments. Contact Burnham Douglass today to schedule a free consultation and learn what our team can do for you!

Why Should I Hire an Lawyer for My Family Law Matters?

Hiring legal representation is not required for family law matters, however, if you want to protect your assets in a divorce, adopt a foster child in your care, or seek primary custody of your children, it is in the best interests of you and your children to obtain legal counsel. Hiring a family law attorney is especially recommended if you are considering any of the following:

Divorce: Each spouse obtains their own legal representation during divorce proceedings who will work with you to reach an agreement with your spouse and their counsel, preferably without taking the matter to court. An experienced family law attorney is skilled in developing child custody arrangements, calculating spousal and child support, the division of marital property, and more.
Paternity: To properly determine the biological identity of a child’s parents, paternity DNA testing must be performed. The majority of paternity tests are brought by the mother in an effort to obtain child support from an absent father, however, fathers often request paternity in order to seek a relationship with his child.
Child custody and support: Typically, court divorce orders and settlement agreements contain the arrangements for child support and custody, but there are often periods requiring modifications based on changes in each spouse’s situations and as children age or become involved in activities conflicting with the current arrangements.
Adoption or foster-to-adopt: No matter what type of adoption you are seeking, the processes are often lengthy and complex, and also depend on the child’s origin, differences in state laws, and other matters requiring the services of a knowledgeable family law attorney. Families interested in pursuing the adoption of a child they are currently fostering are not required to hire an attorney, and in many cases do not need one, however, consulting one of our outstanding legal team beforehand can be invaluable. There may be special circumstances for adopting in New Jersey that may benefit you to have legal representation.