Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody.

This bill permits the court to order counseling in appropriate cases, including when a child witnesses or experiences domestic violence while residing in the household with the abuser and the victim. The bill also permits the court to order the abusive party to pay for the domestic violence counseling provided to the child. The bill establishes that, upon the issuance of a final restraining order, there is a presumption that legal and physical custody be awarded to the non-abusive parent. The bill also permits a court to order a defendant to undergo a psychiatric or psychological evaluation.

Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody.

This bill permits the court to order counseling in appropriate cases, including when a child witnesses or experiences domestic violence while residing in the household with the abuser and the victim. The bill also permits the court to order the abusive party to pay for the domestic violence counseling provided to the child. The bill establishes that, upon the issuance of a final restraining order, there is a presumption that legal and physical custody be awarded to the non-abusive parent. The bill also permits a court to order a defendant to undergo a psychiatric or psychological evaluation.