QUESTION
How can I file for supervised visits between my 1 yr old daughter and her father?
Asked on Jan 04th, 2021 on Child Custody - New Jersey
More details to this question:
My daughter's dad sees her every two weeks from Saturday morning to Sunday early afternoon, however he has told me numerous time that he is not the one who cares for her it is mostly his mother. Normally when she is brought home she is extremely tired and fussy but nothing is physically wrong for me to link it to abuse or mistreatment, however this past weekend my child came home with a cherry red private area along with what looked like a scratch mark of raw and irritated skin on the area as well. He was very defensive when I questioned what happened. Do I have grounds to petition supervised visits or to strip his parental rights?
2 ANSWERS
Family and Matrimonial Law Attorney serving Parsippany, NJ
Partner at
Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group, LLC
4 Awards
Thank you for your question. If you suspect child abuse it is your absolute duty to report it to the authorities without hesitation. Your child is unable to express herself at this age and only trained professionals can make this determination. Once you contact the DCP&P they will instruct you on how to handle future parenting time. Obviously, pending any determination you should take it upon yourself to halt visitation. I hope this was helpful to you.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2021 at 11:04 AM
The information we provide is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. These answers are designed for general information only. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your specific situation. Our website, www.WLG.com, will provide you with a wealth of valuable information in addition to the best way to contact us.
You will need to have proof of abuse to be successful in filing an emergency petition for a change in the current custody. Did you take your child to a physician as to the conditions you noticed? That is your first step and if the physician feels abuse was involved, they will make the report to Children and Youth, DHS or the NJ equivalent to open an investigation. As you stated, you don't even know who was caring for the child during Father's custody.
Answered on Jan 04th, 2021 at 3:32 PM