NJ A567

Courts must advise domestic violence victims and abusers of counseling programs and services available for minor children of either party when a complaint is filed

Establishes a presumption that legal and physical custody of minor children shall be awarded to the non-abusive parent upon entry of a final restraining order

Courts may order defendants to pay for professional domestic violence counseling for affected children, with the court evaluating the defendant's ability to pay in whole or in part

Defendants may be required to reimburse plaintiffs, the Victims of Crime Compensation Office, or other parties for counseling costs incurred for children

Upon victim request, courts shall order that victims not be required to be in the same room as the abuser in subsequent child support proceedings, and the victim's and child's whereabouts shall remain confidential