The bill amends New Jersey law regarding domestic violence by introducing several key provisions aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of victims and their children. It establishes a presumption that custody of a minor child will be awarded to the non-abusive parent upon the issuance of a final restraining order, while clarifying that such a denial of custody or visitation does not terminate parental rights or affect child support obligations. Additionally, the bill mandates that courts can order counseling for children exposed to domestic violence, with the abusive party responsible for the costs, and ensures that both the victim and the abuser are informed of available counseling programs once a domestic violence complaint is filed.

The bill also emphasizes the importance of protecting victims by allowing for emergency relief measures, such as temporary restraining orders, and outlines factors for the court to consider in custody and parenting time decisions. It includes provisions for the court to assist parties in filing legal documents, maintains confidentiality regarding the defendant's access to firearms, and ensures that victims are not required to be in the same room as their abuser during child support proceedings. Overall, the amendments aim to strengthen the legal framework surrounding domestic violence cases, prioritizing the safety of victims and their children.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:25-28, 2C:25-29