• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Villani & DeLuca, P.C.

Representing New Jersey Clients Since 1996

Free Consultation 732-709-7757
  • About The Firm
    • Press Room
    • Why Choose Villani & DeLuca
  • Our Attorneys
    • Carmine R. Villani, Esq. Founding Partner
    • Vincent C. DeLuca, Esq. Founding Partner
    • Gina J. Ravaschiere, Esq. Partner
    • Timothy L. Horn, Esq. Partner
    • Michael C. Ayres, Esq. Partner
    • Benjamin M. Hoffman, Esq. Senior Associate Attorney
    • Jay Turnbach, Esq., Of Counsel
  • Areas of Practice
    • Divorce & Family Law
    • Criminal Defense
    • Personal Injury
    • DWI Law
    • Liquor License
  • Legal Resources
    • Divorce
      • New Jersey Divorce Attorney
      • New Jersey Online Divorce
      • New Jersey Divorce Mediator
      • New Jersey Divorce Mediation
      • Ocean County Divorce Mediation
      • Monmouth County Divorce Mediation
    • Criminal
    • DWI & Traffic
    • Personal Injury
    • ABC
  • Client Testimonials
  • Contact

NJ 9:2-4. Child custody.

NJ Statute: 9:2-4.  Custody of child; rights of both parents considered.

The Legislature finds and declares that it is in the public policy of this State to assure minor children of frequent and continuing contact with both parents after the parents have separated or dissolved their marriage and that it is in the public interest to encourage parents to share the rights and responsibilities of child rearing in order to effect this policy.
In any proceeding involving the custody of a minor child, the rights of both parents shall be equal and the court shall enter an order which may include:
a.     Joint custody of  a minor child to both parents, which is comprised of legal custody or physical custody which shall include: (1) provisions for residential arrangements so that a child shall reside either solely with one parent or alternatively with each parent in accordance with the needs of the parents and the child; and (2) provisions for consultation between the parents in making major decisions regarding the child’s health, education and general welfare;
b.    Sole custody to one parent with appropriate parenting time for the noncustodial parent; or
c.    Any other custody arrangement as the court may determine to be in the best interests of the child.
In making an award of custody, the court shall consider but not be limited to the following factors: the parents’ ability to agree, communicate and cooperate in matters relating to the child; the parents’ willingness to accept custody and any history of unwillingness to allow parenting time not based on substantiated abuse; the interaction and relationship of the child with its parents and siblings; the history of domestic violence, if any; the safety of the child and the safety of either parent from physical abuse by the other parent; the preference of the child when of sufficient age and capacity to reason so as to form an intelligent decision; the needs of the child; the stability of the home environment offered; the quality and continuity of the child’s education; the fitness of the parents; the geographical proximity of the parents’ homes; the extent and quality of the time spent with the child prior to or subsequent to the separation; the parents’ employment responsibilities; and the age and number of the children.  A parent shall not be deemed unfit unless the parents’ conduct has a substantial adverse effect on the child.
The court, for good cause and upon its own motion, may appoint a guardian ad litem or an attorney or both to represent the minor child’s interests.  The court shall have the authority to award a counsel fee to the guardian ad litem and the attorney and to assess that cost between the parties to the litigation.
d.    The court shall order any custody arrangement which is agreed to by both parents unless it is contrary to the best interests of the child.
e.    In any case in which the parents cannot agree to a custody arrangement, the court may require each parent to submit a custody plan which the court shall consider in awarding custody.
f.    The court shall specifically place on the record the factors which justify any custody arrangement not agreed to by both parents.
Amended 1948, c.321, ss.4,11; 1974, c.143; 1990, c.26, s.2; 1997, c.299, s.9.

AKA: NJ Divorce Law 9:2-4. Child custody.

Disclaimer: A copy of this statute has been provided for your information. This wording was current from the NJ website lis.njleg.state.nj.us as of December 2012.

Primary Sidebar

Free Consultation

Recent Posts

  • What Happens in a Divorce Mediation in New Jersey?
  • How Much Does Divorce Mediation Cost?
  • Super Lawyers Carmine R. Villani & Vincent C. DeLuca
  • Divorce in New Jersey-Adultery
  • Divorce Attorney Brick New Jersey

Categories

  • Alimony
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Collaborative Divorce
  • Criminal Procedure
  • Disorderly Conduct
  • Divorce
  • Divorce Process
  • Dog Bite
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Charges
  • Mediation
  • NJ ABC Law Blog
  • NJ Criminal Defense Blog
  • NJ DWI & Traffic Law Blog
  • NJ Personal Injury Law Blog
  • Other Criminal Offenses
  • Press Room
  • Theft Offenses
  • Underage Drinking

Our Offices

Point Pleasant Beach

Main Office

703 Richmond Avenue

Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

Phone: 732-709-7757

Fax: 732-892-9053

info@villanideluca.com

Get Directions

Red Bank Office

Office

151 Bodman PL, #303

Red Bank, NJ 07701

Phone: 732-595-4213

info@villanideluca.com

Get Directions

Villani & Deluca NJ Lawayers Logo

732-709-7757

Villani & DeLuca P.C. BBB Business Review

The information contained in this website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any matter. The transmission and receipt of information contained on this website, in whole or in part, or communication with the Villani & DeLuca, P.C. via the Internet or e-mail through this website does not constitute or create a lawyer-client relationship between this firm and any recipient. You should not send any confidential information in response to this webpage. Such responses will not create a lawyer-client relationship, and whatever you disclose will not be privileged or confidential unless this firm has agreed to act as your legal counsel and you have executed a written engagement agreement with Villani & DeLuca, P.C. Copyright © 2022 Villani DeLuca P.C. | All rights reserved | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Sitemap