NJ
New Jersey Assembly Bill A498

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A498

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Requires court to consider additional factors in awarding custody of child.

Impact

The proposed changes to R.S.9:2-4 will enhance the court's ability to address and incorporate various relevant factors that may affect child custody decisions. This includes assessing the parents' interaction with the child, their history of domestic violence, and the stability of the home environment. These amendments are expected to influence existing standards, ensuring that courts consider the child’s safety and emotional health within the custody process, thus potentially modifying the outcomes of many custody disputes in the state.

Summary

Assembly Bill A498 is a significant piece of legislation in New Jersey aimed at reforming child custody considerations by requiring courts to take into account a broader range of factors when making custody decisions. This includes the potential for past abuse, abandonment, or neglect by either parent, as well as any pattern of abusive behavior. The bill responds to the growing recognition of the complexities involved in custody cases, acknowledging that the well-being of children must remain paramount in these legal determinations.

Contention

While A498 is designed to protect children and create a more nuanced legal framework, it may face opposition. Critics could argue that the broad criteria for considering a parent's history of behavior might unfairly impact custody outcomes, especially in cases where allegations are not substantiated. Furthermore, there may be concerns about the practical implications of implementing such measures in already strained family courts, raising questions about how these additional factors could influence court workload and efficacy in handling child custody cases.

Companion Bills

NJ A5711

Carry Over Requires court to consider additional factors in awarding custody of child.

Previously Filed As

NJ A5711

Requires court to consider additional factors in awarding custody of child.

NJ A2241

Prohibits court from awarding custody of or limiting visitation with child based on certain factors.

NJ A1467

Prohibits court from awarding custody of or limiting visitation with child based on certain factors.

NJ HB378

In child custody, further providing for factors to consider when awarding custody.

NJ HB2018

In child custody, further providing for factors to consider when awarding custody.

NJ S2782

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

NJ SB55

In child custody, further providing for definitions, for award of custody, for factors to consider when awarding custody, for consideration of criminal conviction, for guardian ad litem for child, for counsel for child and for award of counsel fees, costs and expenses; and, in Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, providing for child abuse and domestic abuse education and training program for judges and court personnel.

NJ HB1928

In child custody, further providing for definitions, for award of custody, for factors to consider when awarding custody, for consideration of criminal conviction, for guardian ad litem for child, for counsel for child and for award of counsel fees, costs and expenses; and, in Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, providing for child abuse and domestic abuse education and training program for judges and court personnel.

NJ SB137

Provide for the consideration of a child's wishes in awarding custody.

NJ SB901

Child custody; modifying requirements for certain presumption; requiring court to consider certain factors. Effective date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.