Something Has Changed...And It's Hurting Your Child
The custody order was based on how things used to be.
But now?
Everything’s different.
Maybe your ex is exposing your child to conflict, chaos, or control.
Maybe your child’s grades are slipping — or they’re anxious, withdrawn, or angry.
Maybe a new partner has entered the picture… and it doesn’t feel safe.
Whatever it is, you know this:
There’s been a substantial change in circumstances.
And the current custody plan no longer works.
But now you’re asking:
Do I have enough proof?
What counts as a substantial change in New Jersey?
How do I protect my child without getting steamrolled again?
⚠️ You’re Right to Be Concerned — And You’re Not Overreacting.
In New Jersey, courts don’t change custody easily.
You need to show a real, lasting change that impacts your child’s well-being.
And when you're dealing with a high-conflict ex?
Everything gets harder — and the stakes get higher.
📖 Jim’s Story: From Powerless to Prepared
Jim from Holmdel divorced when his kids were just 6 and 3.
He thought he was doing the right thing by agreeing to a custody plan that gave their mother primary physical custody.
But fast forward 8 years.
Now his kids are 14 and 11.
And they’ve been telling him — over and over — that they want to live with him.
Why?
Because their mom’s live-in boyfriend makes them uncomfortable.
He yells.
He drinks.
He invades their privacy.
And their mom defends him at every turn.
Jim felt helpless... until he scheduled his "strategy session" with me and got clear on his rights.
He didn’t go into court blind.
He didn’t rely on emotion alone.
He built a strategic legal case based on a substantial change in circumstances — one focused on the kids' well-being, their voices, and the environment they were living in.
📌 Strategy. Evidence. Protection.
I’m Steve Kaplan.
I’ve spent over 37 years handling high-conflict custody modifications right here in Monmouth County.
If you’re seeing the warning signs — trust your instincts.
Let’s talk about what the law allows, what the courts expect, and what options are available to protect your children.
Call my assistant, Valerie, at (732) 845-9010 to schedule a confidential strategy session with me personally.
You can also sign up for Steve Kaplan's Divorce Course by inserting your email address on the form on this page.
