New Jersey Child Custody Decisions Are Affected By A History Of Domestic Violence Within The Family; Retain An Experienced New Jersey Private Investigator
When New Jersey Family Courts are considering a Child Custody Motion filed by a New Jersey Family Law Attorney, the New Jersey Court will put great weight to its decision if there is a history of domestic violence or a restraining orders within the family relationship. It is of critical importance in a New Jersey Child Custody Motion containing an element of violations of the New Jersey Prevention Of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA) you retain
Former Jersey City Police Chief Robert Cowan addresses the public in City Hall as Mayor Steve Fulop, Police Director Jim Shea and Members of the City Council look on.
a competent, trained and knowledgeable New Jersey Private Investigator in order to gather historical evidence of the domestic violence. It is an absolute necessity the New Jersey Private Investigator you ultimately hire for your New Jersey Child Custody Motion has an extensive background and experience as a New Jersey Municipal Police Officer; you can rest assured a New Jersey Private Investigator with a background in Municipal Law Enforcement will have had yearly training and actual hands on experience in having dealt with domestic violence victims, assailants and the children who had unfortunately been witness to the emotionally scarring domestic violence.
The hiring of an experienced New Jersey Private Investigator is critically important for reasons that are two fold;
1) If you have been the victim of domestic violence, even if it has been unreported, a New Jersey Private Investigator experienced in New Jersey Domestic Violence Laws can often uncover additional evidence of reported or un-reported Domestic violence, and
2) If your spouse or significant other has made untruthful allegations of current or historical domestic violence against you an experienced New Jersey Private Investigator can often gather evidence to disprove the charges.
It is not un-heard of that that domestic partners during a New Jersey Divorce or Child Custody Motion will often fabricate the existence of Domestic violence in order to gain an advantage or use as leverage in the litigation. For the two reasons I just cited (you will hear me say it again) it is imperative the New Jersey Private Investigator you retain for your New Jersey Divorce or Child Custody Motion possesses a background in Municipal Law Enforcement, former municipal police officers will very often have hands on experience handling domestic violence as these acts are actually occurring. These New Jersey Private Investigators with Municipal Law Enforcement Backgrounds also have received no less then eight hours of formal training per year in the New Jersey Prevention Of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA).
I served twenty-five Years on the Jersey City Police Department; for those who don’t know, Jersey City is the second largest municipality in New Jersey with the second largest municipal police department. I am the former Chief of the Jersey City Police Department, twenty-seven of my thirty-five years were served in various supervisory capacities and roles (sergeant, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief). As a patrol officer and afterwards as a supervisor I had a front row seat to view the horrendous violence perpetrated upon the victims of domestic violence; this violence was both physical as well as emotional. The victims of domestic violence crossed all demographic barriers. You could be a victim of domestic violence whether you are wealthy, middle class or poor; you could be a victim regardless of your ethnicity, whether White, Hispanic, African-American, Asian or any other ethnic group you can think of.
When I first became a police officer in 1979 I worked a radio car in socially depressed areas as well as well to do neighborhoods. At that time Domestic violence assaults were not given the same weight as other similar crimes; this was so because of the overall societal attitude regarding assaults of a domestic nature. An assault resulting in four stitches over the eye of a woman in the context of a domestic relationship was looked upon as less severe then other assaults because it had happened in the context of a “domestic relationship”. In 1979 and the 1980’s, consciousness police officers would always make an arrest on such an assault, regardless of who the victim was, other less dedicated police officers were afforded tacit approval by their supervisors and society if they overlook the assault which had occurred in a “domestic situation”; these less consciousness police officers would give the attacker a ride out of the area and a warning to not come back to the next day when things “cooled down”.
Two Common Types Of Child Custody
In a New Jersey Child Custody Motion filed in a New Jersey Family Court the New Jersey Court has the ability to award Child Custody in several ways, some of the MOST COMMON for purposes of this discussion are:
Joint Residential/legal Custody- where one parent has primary physical custody of the child and legal decisions concerning the child are shared by both parents, or
Sole Physical and Legal Custody- where one parent has sole physical custody of the child AND is responsible to make all legal decisions concerning the child.
When a New Jersey Family Court awards this type of Child Custody to one parent over the objectives of the other parent it is often because the Court is concerned over the safety of thy child; either physical and/or psychological concerns. Often when sole physical and legal custody is issued to one parent over the other parent the Court may require supervised visitation, or the involvement of other professionals such as forensic psychologists. If a Court is concerned about one parent or the others physical safety because of a history of domestic violence the Court can also order to that any change of custody for visits take place within a police facility. Needless to say, Courts have a wide latitude in making decisions and their decisions are based on the best interests of the child and the safety of all involved.
New Jersey Family Courts are required to weigh a lengthy number of factors when deciding as to the type of custody award is in a child’s best interest, these factors are:
parents’ ability to agree, communicate and cooperate in matters pertaining to their child **
parents’ willingness to accept custody as well as any history of unwillingness to allow the other parent to have parenting time, unless there is a substantiated history of abuse. **
interaction and relationship of the child with parents and siblings Any history of domestic violence, **
safety of the child and the safety of either parent from physical abuse by the other parent. **
preference of the child, however this will be only when the child is old enough to reach a reasonable decision
needs of the child
stability of each parent’s home environment. **
extent and quality of the time each parent spent with the child before and after the parents separated **
quality and continuity of the child’s education fitness of the parents **
geographical proximity of the parents’ homes
parents’ employment responsibilities, and **
age and number of the children.
** These are specific areas in which a New Jersey Private Investigator can be extremely effective in obtaining evidence to assist you and your attorney to a successful conclusion of your Child Custody Motion before a New Jersey Family Court.
In conclusion, the New Jersey Family Court must consider any history of domestic violence when deciding as to what parent obtains custody, and under what type of Child Custody Arrangement.
Bob Cowan is the owner of Cowan Investigations a full service New Jersey Private Investigations Firm
If you wish to speak with me regarding this article, or if you need a consultation regarding it’s contents please do not hesitate to call me at 732-837-8444, seven days a week 8:00am to 8:00pm.
About the author: Bob Cowan is the owner of Cowan Investigations a full service New Jersey Private Investigations Firm, Bob is the former Chief of the Jersey City Police Department and has 35 years experience as a police officer.
I approached Cowan Investigations from out of state with a delicate situation that needed to be handled in NJ and Liz made me feel at ease and in good hands immediately! Both Liz and Bob reviewed my case and got back to be the same day… More with a great price and additional suggestions to make sure I was satisfied with the planning they had come up with. It was important to me for all parties involved in my case to feel comfortable and Liz and Bob definitely fit the bill! They took the time to gather all the information needed and completely exceeded my expectations. I originally chose to call Cowan Investigations because of the professional website and Bob's credentials, but it was the personal care and service that cemented their agency for me. Thanks again Liz!!
If you find yourself in need of a PI, I can assure you that retaining Cowan Investigations is 100% the right choice. Bob and his wife Liz worked tirelessly to assist me with a very challenging situation and ultimately were able to exceed… More my highest expectations in terms of obtaining evidence. I truly cannot thank them enough for the level of care and professionalism they brought to my case.
I didn't personally have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Cowan but Liz was so incredibly efficient and professional!! Within hrs she had already gotten answers to a question that has tormented me for a long time. If you need ANY investigative… More work done trust Cowan. This was my 1st time dealing with an investigative service and I was best pleased!! 5 stars all the way! A special thank you to Liz. You're a dear and I will always remember your warmth, sympathy and professionalism. Always. Yours Tom
Best of the Best! Worked with Bob during his tenure as the former Chief of the Jersey City Police Department. All I can say is that you will be getting what you pay for with this results driven company. A leader within the industry with… More over 34+ years in law enforcement as well as a proven track record of accomplishments in the field. If I needed a private investigator, Cowan Investigations would be my first choice, hands down.
I would highly recommend Cowan Investigations. From the time you speak to Liz on the phone until the time Bob is finished with the investigation you will always know what is going on, what is taking place, and what they found. You will… More be provided with detailed information and surveillance. Bob is very well trained in this field and will provide you with outstanding work. Both Bob and Liz are very compassionate and caring people and make you feel comfortable through the whole process. At the end of the investigation you’ll know that you have hired the right people for the job.
I didn't personally have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Cowan but Liz was so incredibly efficient and professional!! Within hrs she had already gotten answers to a question that has tormented me for a long time. If you need ANY investigative… More work done trust Cowan. This was my 1st time dealing with an investigative service and I was best pleased!! 5 stars all the way! A special thank you to Liz. You're a dear and I will always remember your warmth, sympathy and professionalism. Always. Yours Tom
I didn't personally have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Cowan but Liz was so incredibly efficient and professional!! Within hrs she had already gotten answers to a question that has tormented me for a long time. If you need ANY investigative… More work done trust Cowan. This was my 1st time dealing with an investigative service and I was best pleased!! 5 stars all the way! A special thank you to Liz. You're a dear and I will always remember your warmth, sympathy and professionalism. Always. Yours Tom
As a retired Deputy Police Chief with the Jersey City Police Department I had the privilege of working with Bob Cowan for over 25 years. Bob is an honest and ethical professional who shows empathy towards people in unfortunate situations.… More Bob’s objective analysis and evaluation of an issue enables him to address the true problem at hand. His strong analytical abilities coupled with thorough research and attention to detail make him an ideal private investigator. I know his clients will receive a comprehensive detailed report that will stand up in any hearing or court of law. Bob is a high caliber dedicated professional who will give it his all to address the issues at hand and achieve results.
—A Google User★★★★★a year ago
As a retired Deputy Police Chief with the Jersey City Police Department I had the privilege of working with Bob Cowan for over 25 years. Bob is an honest and ethical professional who shows empathy towards people in unfortunate situations.… More Bob’s objective analysis and evaluation of an issue enables him to address the true problem at hand. His strong analytical abilities coupled with thorough research and attention to detail make him an ideal private investigator. I know his clients will receive a comprehensive detailed report that will stand up in any hearing or court of law. Bob is a high caliber dedicated professional who will give it his all to address the issues at hand and achieve results.
I have been married for over 25 years, 2 years ago things just started not feeling right, I started having suspicions that my husband was cheating. I felt trapped, I was embarrassed to talk about it with anyone. I put up with feeling… More this way for two years. I began researching private investigators because I was fed up with being lied to and deceived, talked to like I was crazy. I called a few investigators but I did not feel comfortable, I felt like I was talking to used car salesmen. Just before I was going to give up I called Cowan Investigations. From the minute I began speaking to Liz Cowan I began to feel comfortable, she was very genuine, caring and knowledgeable on how to proceed. Liz set up a call with Bob who I immediately could tell was very experienced and knew how to proceed. Over a 4 day period Bob and Joe uncovered the evidence I needed to confront the lies and other deceptions I was subjected to, which let me make the decisions I needed to make for myself. Above all I was able to regain my self respect by getting the proof I needed. From time Liz answered the phone until Bob and Joe finished the investigation, I was overwhelmed by the professionalism and caring they displayed towards me and the investigation. Thanks again Liz, Bob and Joe, you’re the best
If there was a way to give this Gentleman ten stars, I would. Don't be mistaken by the use of the word "gentleman" he is a hound and he zeros in on the minutia of the investigation. He is a real detective with a extensive… More background in law enforcement. I thought that I had a really good understanding of my case and then I hired Bob Cowan. He exposed so many things that were hidden in plain sight that it blew my mind and consequently gave me much needed peace of mind. From the time he took my case, he kept in constant contact with me. All throughout, he explained things in way that I could understand. He was reassuring, professional and the best guy for the job! I am in the unenviable position of knowing what I am saying. It can and is, at times, overwhelming when you have to hire a private investigator. This usually arises from a traumatic experience and the reason why you should surround yourself with someone who knows what this experience fells like. I trust Bob Cowan and hope he continues to help others, like he helped me. I am grateful to have been referred to him! Thank you, Sir. And yes, I would be remiss if I didn't thank his wife Liz. She took my initial phone call and she knew I needed his help. She was warm and kind. Just what you need when you are faced with these situations...Thank you, Liz.
I recently had the need to use a private investigator. After looking at several options, I decided to call Cowan Investigations. The decision to call them turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. I really like the fact that… More Mr. Cowan has a law enforcement background and is a former Chief of Police for Jersey City. After my first conversation with Liz Cowan I knew I had called the right people. She made me feel very comfortable when I answered all the questions she needed to get the facts regarding a very complicated situation. Liz is very thorough, caring, and very professional and usually available when I had questions. Liz and Bob make you, their priority. I NEVER had to worry if Mr. Cowan would be working on my case at the time I was promised. He was always at the location, on time, very descrete and went way above and beyond my expectations. I was informed of the progress on a daily basis and over a period of 4-5 days, had enough evidence to prove my case. The reports are very professionally written with dates and time stamped. It says a lot when my lawyer called Bob Cowan and complimented him on the great report he gave to my lawyer, to take to court. I feel the evidence gathered by Cowan Investigations and presented to the judge, by my lawyer, made a huge difference in the judge's decision. I met Mr. Cowan and shook his hand after I won the case. I highly recommend Cowan Investigations and will definitely use them again if needed. Thank you for all your hard work, you are the best!
We cannot thank Bob and Liz enough for helping us with a matter that was probably outside the realm of their normal practice. They were instrumental in assisting us in reaching out to an unscrupulous used car salesman. The individual wouldn't return our calls and obviously, did not wish to be found.Due to their tireless efforts and many phone calls, we were finally put in touch with him. With their help, the situation was fully resolved! They handled the situation with the utmost care and professionalism. We strongly recommend Cowan Investigations as they are very good at what they do!
On this thanksgiving day, I can say that I am very grateful for the peace of mind this detailed investigator gave me. Not only did he provide me with the...
New Jersey Child Custody Decisions Are Affected By A History Of Domestic Violence Within The Family; Retain An Experienced New Jersey Private Investigator
November 7, 2017 by Bob Cowan • Child Custody •
New Jersey Child Custody Decisions Are Affected By A History Of Domestic Violence Within The Family; Retain An Experienced New Jersey Private Investigator
When New Jersey Family Courts are considering a Child Custody Motion filed by a New Jersey Family Law Attorney, the New Jersey Court will put great weight to its decision if there is a history of domestic violence or a restraining orders within the family relationship. It is of critical importance in a New Jersey Child Custody Motion containing an element of violations of the New Jersey Prevention Of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA) you retain
Former Jersey City Police Chief Robert Cowan addresses the public in City Hall as Mayor Steve Fulop, Police Director Jim Shea and Members of the City Council look on.
a competent, trained and knowledgeable New Jersey Private Investigator in order to gather historical evidence of the domestic violence. It is an absolute necessity the New Jersey Private Investigator you ultimately hire for your New Jersey Child Custody Motion has an extensive background and experience as a New Jersey Municipal Police Officer; you can rest assured a New Jersey Private Investigator with a background in Municipal Law Enforcement will have had yearly training and actual hands on experience in having dealt with domestic violence victims, assailants and the children who had unfortunately been witness to the emotionally scarring domestic violence.
The hiring of an experienced New Jersey Private Investigator is critically important for reasons that are two fold;
1) If you have been the victim of domestic violence, even if it has been unreported, a New Jersey Private Investigator experienced in New Jersey Domestic Violence Laws can often uncover additional evidence of reported or un-reported Domestic violence, and
2) If your spouse or significant other has made untruthful allegations of current or historical domestic violence against you an experienced New Jersey Private Investigator can often gather evidence to disprove the charges.
It is not un-heard of that that domestic partners during a New Jersey Divorce or Child Custody Motion will often fabricate the existence of Domestic violence in order to gain an advantage or use as leverage in the litigation. For the two reasons I just cited (you will hear me say it again) it is imperative the New Jersey Private Investigator you retain for your New Jersey Divorce or Child Custody Motion possesses a background in Municipal Law Enforcement, former municipal police officers will very often have hands on experience handling domestic violence as these acts are actually occurring. These New Jersey Private Investigators with Municipal Law Enforcement Backgrounds also have received no less then eight hours of formal training per year in the New Jersey Prevention Of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA).
I served twenty-five Years on the Jersey City Police Department; for those who don’t know, Jersey City is the second largest municipality in New Jersey with the second largest municipal police department. I am the former Chief of the Jersey City Police Department, twenty-seven of my thirty-five years were served in various supervisory capacities and roles (sergeant, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief). As a patrol officer and afterwards as a supervisor I had a front row seat to view the horrendous violence perpetrated upon the victims of domestic violence; this violence was both physical as well as emotional. The victims of domestic violence crossed all demographic barriers. You could be a victim of domestic violence whether you are wealthy, middle class or poor; you could be a victim regardless of your ethnicity, whether White, Hispanic, African-American, Asian or any other ethnic group you can think of.
When I first became a police officer in 1979 I worked a radio car in socially depressed areas as well as well to do neighborhoods. At that time Domestic violence assaults were not given the same weight as other similar crimes; this was so because of the overall societal attitude regarding assaults of a domestic nature. An assault resulting in four stitches over the eye of a woman in the context of a domestic relationship was looked upon as less severe then other assaults because it had happened in the context of a “domestic relationship”. In 1979 and the 1980’s, consciousness police officers would always make an arrest on such an assault, regardless of who the victim was, other less dedicated police officers were afforded tacit approval by their supervisors and society if they overlook the assault which had occurred in a “domestic situation”; these less consciousness police officers would give the attacker a ride out of the area and a warning to not come back to the next day when things “cooled down”.
Two Common Types Of Child Custody
In a New Jersey Child Custody Motion filed in a New Jersey Family Court the New Jersey Court has the ability to award Child Custody in several ways, some of the MOST COMMON for purposes of this discussion are:
Joint Residential/legal Custody- where one parent has primary physical custody of the child and legal decisions concerning the child are shared by both parents, or
Sole Physical and Legal Custody- where one parent has sole physical custody of the child AND is responsible to make all legal decisions concerning the child.
When a New Jersey Family Court awards this type of Child Custody to one parent over the objectives of the other parent it is often because the Court is concerned over the safety of thy child; either physical and/or psychological concerns. Often when sole physical and legal custody is issued to one parent over the other parent the Court may require supervised visitation, or the involvement of other professionals such as forensic psychologists. If a Court is concerned about one parent or the others physical safety because of a history of domestic violence the Court can also order to that any change of custody for visits take place within a police facility. Needless to say, Courts have a wide latitude in making decisions and their decisions are based on the best interests of the child and the safety of all involved.
New Jersey Family Courts are required to weigh a lengthy number of factors when deciding as to the type of custody award is in a child’s best interest, these factors are:
pertaining to their child **
Any history of domestic violence, **
fitness of the parents **
** These are specific areas in which a New Jersey Private Investigator can be extremely effective in obtaining evidence to assist you and your attorney to a successful conclusion of your Child Custody Motion before a New Jersey Family Court.
In conclusion, the New Jersey Family Court must consider any history of domestic violence when deciding as to what parent obtains custody, and under what type of Child Custody Arrangement.
For more info, please visit our Child Custody page.
_________________________________________________________________________
Bob Cowan is the owner of Cowan Investigations a full service New Jersey Private Investigations Firm
If you wish to speak with me regarding this article, or if you need a consultation regarding it’s contents please do not hesitate to call me at 732-837-8444, seven days a week 8:00am to 8:00pm.
About the author: Bob Cowan is the owner of Cowan Investigations a full service New Jersey Private Investigations Firm, Bob is the former Chief of the Jersey City Police Department and has 35 years experience as a police officer.