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Read. Follow. Verify.New Jersey Bill A1094 Requires Courts to Consider Abuse and Controlling Behavior in Child Custody Decisions
Last action · January 13, 2026: Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary CommitteeSponsor: Clifton, Robert D.
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What This Bill Would Do
New Jersey courts determining child custody must consider a history of abuse, abandonment, or neglect, as well as any pattern of abusive, threatening, intimidating, or controlling behavior by either parent. The bill applies to child custody proceedings and takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Family law judges must weigh newly mandated behavioral factors—such as patterns of intimidation and historical neglect—when deciding parenting time and custody arrangements for separating parents.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Parents involved in custody proceedings
Custody determinations will incorporate evaluation of their history of abuse, neglect, and patterns of controlling behavior.
Minor children
Custody and residential arrangements ordered by the court will be determined using expanded safety and behavioral criteria.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new factors must a judge consider in a child custody dispute under this bill?
Does this bill change when a parent is considered legally unfit?
When does this legislation take effect?
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Jan 13, 2026HouseIntroducedIntroduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
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Sources
njleg.state.nj.us
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy35Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz25Current news / social attention level
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