The bill establishes Anthonys Legacy Act, which modifies the visitation rights for grandparents of minor children in New Jersey. It specifically mandates that courts give special consideration to grandparents who are also Gold Star family members when they apply for visitation rights. Under the current law, grandparents or siblings can apply for visitation, but they must prove that it is in the child's best interest. The court considers various factors in its determination, including the relationship between the child and the applicant, the time elapsed since their last contact, and any history of abuse.

The bill introduces definitions for "Gold Star family member" and "deceased service member," clarifying the criteria for special consideration in visitation applications. A Gold Star family member is defined as a close relative of a deceased service member, while a deceased service member is someone who died while on active duty due to enemy action, accident, or disease. This legislation aims to ensure that the unique circumstances of Gold Star families are recognized in visitation rights cases, thereby potentially facilitating stronger family connections for children in these situations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9:2-7.1