S.1651

New Jersey S1651 allows courts to order counseling for children in domestic violence cases and establishes a presumption of awarding custody to the.

New Jersey S1651 amends existing laws to permit courts to order counseling for children who witness or experience domestic violence in their households. The bill also allows courts to order the abusive party to pay for the child's domestic violence counseling and requires proof of payment to be submitted to the court. Additionally, the bill establishes a presumption that legal and physical custody of a minor child should be awarded to the non-abusive parent upon the issuance of a final restraining order.