New Jersey § 2a:34-65
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 2a:34-65, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2a:34-65.
a. Except as otherwise provided in section 16 of this act 1 , or section 1 of P.L.2013, c. 7 ( C.9:2-12.1 ) concerning a service member's absence due to a deployment or service-related treatment
as set forth in that section , a court of this State has jurisdiction to make an initial child custody determination
only if: (1) this State is the home state of the child on the date of the commencement of the
proceeding, or was the home state of the child within six months before the commencement
of the proceeding and the child is absent from this State but a parent or person acting
as a parent continues to live in this State; (2) a court of another state does not have jurisdiction under paragraph (1) of this
subsection, or a court of the home state of the child has declined to exercise jurisdiction
on the ground that this State is the more appropriate forum under section 19 or 20
of this act 2 and: (a) the child and the child's parents, or the child and at least one parent or a person
acting as a parent have a significant connection with this State other than mere physical
presence; and (b) substantial evidence is available in this State concerning the child's care, protection,
training and personal relationships; (3) all courts having jurisdiction under paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection have
declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that a court of this State is the
more appropriate forum to determine the custody of the child under section 19 or 20
of this act; or (4) no state would have jurisdiction under paragraph (1), (2) or (3) of this subsection. b. Subsection a. of this section is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making
a child custody determination by a court of this State. c. Physical presence of, or personal jurisdiction over, a party or a child is neither
necessary nor sufficient to make a child custody determination. d. A court of this State may assume temporary emergency jurisdiction in accordance
with section 16 of this act. 1
N.J.S.A. § 2A:34-68. 2
N.J.S.A. § 2A:34-71 or § 2A:34-72.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 2a:34-65
What does New Jersey Statutes § 2a:34-65 cover?
Section 2a:34-65 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Jersey § 2a:34-65?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 2a:34-65" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Jersey law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.
How does New Jersey § 2a:34-65 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.