NJ S1411

Amends New Jersey's child custody statute (R.S.9:2-4) to prioritize children's physical and emotional protection and welfare as the paramount consideration in custody decisions, rather than emphasizing frequent contact with both parents as the primary goal.

Requires courts to consider children's expressed preferences in contested custody cases and mandates that judges explain on the record why they disregarded a child's preferences if ordering a contrary arrangement.

Prohibits courts from ordering therapy unless it has "generally accepted and scientifically valid proof of safety, effectiveness, and therapeutic value," and bars reunification treatment programs without consent of both parties when a child resists contact with an estranged parent.

Requires courts to consider enumerated factors before ordering therapy, including the child's age and maturity, history of domestic violence or child abuse, prior therapy history, and allows children of sufficient age to speak privately with judges in sealed proceedings.

Appropriates $500,000 each to the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Institute for Families at Rutgers School of Social Work to study and report on the bill's effectiveness within three years of enactment.