9:2-7. Habeas corpus to determine custody of child; access to child


9:2-7.  Habeas corpus to determine custody of child;  access to child
    When any husband and wife shall live in a state of separation without being  divorced, and shall have any minor child of the marriage, the Superior Court,  upon such child being brought before it upon habeas corpus, shall award the  custody of such child and make such order or judgment relating thereto for the  access of either parent to such child, at such times and under such  circumstances, as it may deem proper.

     Amended by L.1948, c. 321, p. 1297, s. 6;  L.1953, c. 9, p. 71, s. 5.
 
9:2-7.1.     Visitation rights for grandparents, siblings 
    1.a. A grandparent or any sibling of a child residing in this State may make application before the Superior Court, in accordance with the Rules of Court, for an order for visitation. It shall be the burden of the applicant to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the granting of visitation is in the best interests of the child. 

   b.   In making a determination on an application filed pursuant to this section, the court shall consider the following factors: 

   (1)  The relationship between the child and the applicant;

 

   (2)  The relationship between each of the child's parents or the person with whom the child is residing and the applicant; 

   (3)  The time which has elapsed since the child last had contact with the applicant; 

   (4)  The effect that such visitation will have on the relationship between the child and the child's parents or the person with whom the child is residing; 

   (5)  If the parents are divorced or separated, the time sharing arrangement which exists between the parents with regard to the child; 

   (6)  The good faith of the applicant in filing the application; 

   (7)  Any history of physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect by the applicant; and 

   (8)  Any other factor relevant to the best interests of the child. 

   c.   With regard to any application made pursuant to this section, it shall be prima facie evidence that visitation is in the child's best interest if the applicant had, in the past, been a full-time caretaker for the child. 

   L.1971,c.420,s.1; amended 1973,c.100; 1987,c.363,s.2; 1993,c.161,s.1. 
 
9:2-7.2.     Concealment of child; preliminary hearing as to custody 
     1.   When any husband and wife shall live in a state of separation without being divorced and shall have any minor child or children of the marriage, and when either spouse shall willfully conceal the whereabouts of said child or children, the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part, upon application of the aggrieved parent, shall conduct a preliminary hearing as to the custody of said child or children and shall make such order relating thereto for the access of either parent to such child at such times and under such circumstances as it may deem proper. 

    L.1974,c.152,s.1; amended 1991,c.91,s.189.