Bill > S4510

This bill clarifies procedures for contested child custody cases in New Jersey by modifying existing state law to emphasize the importance of protecting children's physical and emotional welfare. The bill establishes that courts should ensure children have frequent and continuing contact with both parents after separation or divorce, while prioritizing the child's best interests. When determining custody arrangements, courts must now consider a comprehensive list of factors including parents' ability to communicate and cooperate, the child's relationships with parents and siblings, history of domestic violence, child's safety, child's age and preferences, input from mental health professionals, parents' employment responsibilities, and home environment stability. The bill introduces new provisions regarding reunification therapy, requiring courts to carefully evaluate multiple factors before ordering such therapy, including the reasons for parent-child contact refusal, the child's age and maturity, parents' and child's willingness to participate, and any history of violence or harm. If reunification therapy is deemed appropriate, a therapist will be appointed to coordinate treatment and report periodically to the court, with the court retaining discretion to modify therapy approaches based on progress. The legislation aims to create a more nuanced and child-focused approach to resolving complex custody disputes.

Justice

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4510