Bill > A5761

This bill clarifies procedures in child custody cases by establishing new guidelines for how courts should approach custody determinations. The legislation emphasizes that the protection and welfare of children are paramount, and that custody decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis with the best interests of the child as the primary consideration. The bill introduces several key provisions, including requiring courts to consider the child's preferences, mandating that any court-ordered therapy be scientifically valid and proven effective, and prohibiting reunification therapy without the consent of both parties and the child. The bill also requires courts to specifically document reasons for custody arrangements that deviate from the child's expressed preferences or from a mutually agreed-upon plan. Additionally, the legislation requires a comprehensive study by the Institute for Families at Rutgers School of Social Work to evaluate the impact of these new provisions on family court proceedings, with a focus on understanding how children are heard in custody cases and the effectiveness of various court interventions. The bill aims to prioritize child safety, ensure that children's voices are considered, and promote more thoughtful, evidence-based approaches to resolving contested child custody cases.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5761