Case Overview
A Korean-American mother in her 40s living in New Jersey came to Song Law Firm during a contentious divorce proceeding. Her ex-spouse demanded joint custody of their two children (ages 8 and 11), but she was deeply concerned that his long-standing alcohol dependency and unpredictable behavior posed a serious risk to their children’s wellbeing.
The Challenge
On the surface, the opposing party appeared stable — he held a steady job and presented himself as a capable parent in public. The key challenge was proving his alcohol problem through objective, court-admissible evidence. Additionally, our client faced a language barrier navigating the U.S. legal system, as English was not her first language. She needed a legal team that could guide her through every step while communicating clearly and compassionately.
Our Approach
Song Law Firm developed a multi-layered strategy. We gathered documentation from the children’s school and medical records to establish patterns of neglect and instability. We successfully petitioned the court to appoint a Guardian ad Litem to independently assess the children’s living conditions and preferences. We also surfaced prior incidents tied to the ex-spouse’s alcohol use through legal discovery. Simultaneously, we built a strong affirmative case for our client — demonstrating her stable home environment, consistent parental involvement, and the children’s positive development under her care.
The Outcome
The court awarded our client sole legal custody of both children. The ex-spouse was granted only supervised visitation rights. The court’s determination centered on the best interests of the children, and our client’s demonstrated ability to provide a safe, nurturing environment was decisive.
Client Testimonial
“I was scared at first. I didn’t know the American court system and my English wasn’t perfect. But the attorneys at Song Law Firm explained everything clearly and truly cared about my children. Now we can finally live in peace.” — Client A (40s, New Jersey)
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today Custody battles are among the most emotionally and legally complex matters in family law. Don’t face it alone. Contact Song Law Firm for a free consultation with a New Jersey family law attorney. 🌐 songlawfirm.com
Disclaimer: Results may vary. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
FAQ
Q1. What does a court consider when awarding sole custody in New Jersey? New Jersey courts always prioritize the “best interests of the child.” Sole custody is typically awarded when one parent demonstrates that the other poses a risk to the child’s safety or wellbeing — such as through substance abuse, domestic violence, or neglect.
Q2. How can I prove my ex-spouse has an alcohol problem in court? Evidence may include police reports, DUI records, medical documentation, witness statements, or a court-ordered substance abuse evaluation. An experienced family law attorney can help you gather and present this evidence effectively.
Q3. Can a custody order be modified after the divorce is finalized? Yes. If there is a material change in circumstances — such as a parent’s deteriorating behavior or a child’s changing needs — either party may petition the court to modify the custody arrangement.
