New Jersey Senate Bill S2782

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/2/22
• Refer: 6/2/22

Caption

Provides for additional considerations in child custody determinations and training for certain judicial employees.

Impact

The bill also mandates the establishment of a comprehensive training and educational program for judges and court personnel focused on the signs and effects of child abuse and domestic violence. The training will cover various aspects, including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, and will highlight the impact of such factors on children's well-being. The goal of these educational initiatives is to ensure that legal personnel are equipped with the necessary knowledge to make informed custody decisions that are in the best interests of children, especially in high-conflict cases.

Summary

Senate Bill S2782 aims to enhance child custody determinations by implementing additional factors for courts to consider during parenting time decisions. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining contact between minor children and both parents after separation or divorce, promoting policies that encourage shared parental responsibilities. Among the added considerations for judges are any attempts by one parent to alienate the child from the other parent, the likelihood that each parent will facilitate the child’s relationship with the other, and the history of caretaking duties performed by each parent.

Contention

Discussions surrounding S2782 may highlight concerns about the potential implications of greater judicial discretion in custody determinations among divorced or separated parents. Some critics may argue that while the bill seeks to protect children, the added complexities in custody evaluations could lead to inconsistent outcomes depending on the interpretation of the new factors. Others may emphasize the necessity of such training to better equip judges in handling sensitive cases involving domestic violence and child abuse effectively, ultimately advocating that informed decisions will lead to more just outcomes for affected families.