NJ A3967

Defendants subject to two or more final domestic violence restraining orders must undergo a domestic violence assessment before the court can dissolve any of those orders, with the defendant bearing the costs of the assessment

Defines "domestic violence assessment" as an evaluation by a psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, or licensed professional counselor to determine the likelihood of future violence or abuse toward the victim or others

Codifies 10 factors courts must consider when a defendant seeks to dissolve a final restraining order, including: victim's consent, victim's fear, contempt convictions, defendant's drug/alcohol involvement, counseling participation, and existence of orders from other jurisdictions

Requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to develop standards for professionals eligible to conduct domestic violence assessments

Takes effect on the first day of the seventh month after enactment