NJ A3484

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

Domestic violence assessments must be conducted by licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, or professional counselors to evaluate the likelihood of future violence or threatening behavior toward the victim.

Courts must consider 10 specific factors when determining whether to dissolve a restraining order, including victim consent, victim fear of defendant, defendant's contempt convictions, substance abuse history, and involvement in violence with others.

The Administrative Office of the Courts must develop standards for professionals eligible to conduct domestic violence assessments, and all assessment findings remain confidential.

The bill takes effect on the first day of the seventh month after enactment and codifies factors previously established in the 1995 Carfagno v. Carfagno court decision.