A 2676 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Requires psychological examination when parent loses custody of child and wants to regain custody of child who is in care or custody of grandparent.

This bill requires courts to mandate a psychological examination for parents who lost custody of their child (due to being deemed unfit, neglectful, or grossly immoral) but haven't had parental rights terminated, when the child is in a grandparent's care and the parent seeks custody changes. It applies specifically to cases where grandparents hold custody under existing law (R.S.9:2-9). The key mechanism adds a new requirement that courts must order this examination before altering custody arrangements, ensuring parental fitness is assessed. The bill amends New Jersey's child custody statute (R.S.9:2-10) to include this provision for such cases. It does not change existing grounds for losing custody but adds a step for parents seeking to regain custody under these specific circumstances.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

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