New Jersey Custody Law Changes: What P.L. 2025, c.316 Actually Says

Updated July 22, 2026. This article provides general educational information, not legal or clinical advice. Rules and individual circumstances vary.

The law is in effect

New Jersey S4510 was approved January 20, 2026, as P.L. 2025, c.316.

Safety and best interests

The law makes child safety a threshold issue and requires case-by-case best-interest decisions. It still recognizes frequent and continuing contact with both parents as public policy and leaves both parents' rights equal.

A child's preference is considered, not controlling

The law directs courts to consider children's expressed preferences in contested custody cases. It does not make those preferences controlling.

Therapy and treatment orders

Court-ordered therapy or treatment must meet the statute's evidence-based requirements and judicial findings. The law should not be summarized as a ban on treatment orders.

What this does not do

The statute does not guarantee a schedule or outcome. A New Jersey attorney can explain how the amended factors apply to a pending case and any safety concern.

Primary sources

• New Jersey S4510 bill history
• New Jersey S4510 final text