S.163

Establishes presumption of joint legal and physical custody in child custody matters.

Introduced·1/9/24
Introduced Text

New Jersey S163 establishes a presumption of joint legal and physical custody in child custody matters.

New Jersey S163 amends the state's child custody laws to establish a presumption of joint legal and physical custody in child custody matters. This means that unless a parent can provide clear and convincing evidence that joint custody is harmful to the child, the court will presume that both parents should share custody. The court will consider factors such as the parents' ability to cooperate, the child's interaction with parents and siblings, and the safety of the child. If the presumption is successfully rebutted, custody will be awarded according to the child's best interests.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Session adjourned — paused until it reconvenes

Sponsors

D
1
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Dec 15, 2025

10:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

History

Jan 9, 2024

Senate

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee