This bill aims to clarify procedures in contested child custody cases by emphasizing the protection and welfare of minor children as the primary concern. It amends existing legislation to remove the previous public policy statement regarding frequent contact with both parents and instead highlights the importance of considering the child's best interests on a case-by-case basis. The bill introduces new provisions that require courts to consider various factors when determining custody arrangements, including the child's expressed preferences, the safety of the child, and the history of domestic violence or child abuse. Additionally, it mandates that any therapy ordered by the court must have scientifically valid proof of effectiveness and that the child, if of sufficient age, may privately communicate with the judge.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the court may appoint a licensed mental health professional to oversee therapy and report on its progress, ensuring that the child's voice is heard throughout the process. It prohibits therapy that isolates a child from a safe parent or employs coercive methods. To evaluate the impact of these statutory amendments, the bill allocates $500,000 each to the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Institute for Families at Rutgers School of Social Work for a comprehensive study. This report will assess the effectiveness of the new provisions on family reunification and custody case resolutions.