New Jersey’s Child Custody Law Has Changed: What the January 2026 Updates Mean for Parents
TL;DR: New Jersey’s 2026 Child Custody Law Changes
New Jersey revised its child custody statute in January 2026 to give courts clearer direction in contested cases. The updated law makes child safety a threshold issue, strengthens how children’s wishes are considered, limits court-ordered therapy to evidence-based practices, and adds protections in cases involving domestic violence or abuse. Custody decisions must be made case by case, with judges required to explain their reasoning—especially when safety concerns, therapy, or a child’s expressed preferences are involved.
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