This bill aims to clarify procedures in contested child custody cases in New Jersey, emphasizing the protection and welfare of minor children as paramount after parental separation or divorce. It introduces new legal language that mandates decisions regarding child custody and parenting time to be made on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that the best interests of the children are prioritized. The bill also specifies that the rights of both parents are equal and outlines various custody arrangements, including joint custody and sole custody, while requiring the court to consider multiple factors, such as the parents' ability to cooperate and the child's relationship with their parents and siblings.

Additionally, the bill imposes restrictions on the court's authority to order reunification therapy, requiring scientifically valid proof of its safety and effectiveness before such therapy can be mandated. It emphasizes the importance of the child's expressed preferences in custody decisions, stipulating that if the court disregards these preferences, it must provide a detailed justification on the record. Furthermore, the bill mandates the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners to develop professional standards for reunification therapy, ensuring that the practice is guided by expert consensus and the child's willingness to participate.