Jersey Shore's heyday may be almost 15 years ago, but a member of the cast was back in the headlines in Spring 2024. Ronnie Ortiz-Magro's ex-girlfriend, Jen Harley, with whom he previously had a custody dispute, is again in court for custody issues.

This case involves Harley's third child and so far involves allegations of domestic violence, restraining orders, and unauthorized travel. For those going through custody disputes, the case offers several important lessons.

If you're dealing with custody issues, the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team can help. We work with parents and families throughout New Jersey to settle custody disputes and find resolutions that are in a child's best interests. Call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.

Domestic Violence and Custody

Harley has accused her current partner, Joe Ambrosole, of domestic violence. He was charged with felony assault.

This isn't the first time law enforcement has been involved in this relationship. In 2021, Harley was charged with assault with a deadly weapon following an argument with Ambrosole.

That a parent has been accused or convicted of domestic violence doesn't automatically prevent them from obtaining custody. While the top concern is a child's best interests, in New Jersey, allowing a child to maintain a relationship with both parents is also important.

The key question is if a parent poses a threat or danger to a child. If a court finds that a parent doesn't pose a threat to a child, a court will likely decide on a custody or visitation schedule that allows a child to maintain a relationship with both parties.

What can be challenging is if either parent has a restraining order against the other parent. In this case, a neutral third party will generally be involved when moving a child between their parents.

Child Custody Mistakes

Ambrosole alleges that Harley left the state and plans to take international trips with their child. He also claims that she hasn't been in contact with him.

Courts consider it important for a child to have a relationship with both parents. Actions that indicate a parent is unwilling to work with the other parent or plans to alienate the child from the other parent can work against that parent in a custody dispute.

In some cases, such actions can result in a parent having limited custody. Actions that may indicate one parent wishes to alienate a child from the child's other parent:

• A parent who refuses to communicate with the other parent
• A parent who travels without obtaining permission from the other parent
• A parent who refuses to allow the other parent to see the child

Some of these actions may arise to the level of criminal actions. Taking a child out of the country without permission is potentially international kidnapping, which is a federal crime.

Protect Your Parent-Child Relationship

Custody disputes are difficult partially because they're often based on a parent's love for a child. Anger at the other parent may cloud a person's judgment.

Lento Law Firm Family Law Team helps our clients focus on the law and their children. We help our clients build fact-based cases that keep the focus on their child's best interests. Call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.