New Jersey polling results show tremendous support for equal shared parenting

A recent National Parents Organization (NPO) independently commissioned poll shows overwhelming support for shared parenting in New Jersey. In the latest round of polling, 95% of New Jersey respondents believe it is in the child's best interest to have as much time as possible with each parent in cases of separation or divorce. New Jersey boasts some of the highest percentages of all states that support equal shared parenting. These results are especially timely  as the New Jersey State Legislature looks at current proposed legislation, Bill A1812, that would create an equal shared parenting law.

Commissioned in August 2021, this independent poll was conducted by Researchscape International. This initiative is part of NPO’s ongoing work to carry out shared parenting research throughout the United States and further its education, advocacy, and legislative efforts. This recent poll measures the attitudes and beliefs of New Jersey residents concerning shared parenting when parents live apart. The polling results are tremendously supportive of equal shared parenting. The data collected show a great connection to how a New Jersey resident may align with political figures, even changing their typical voting habits, to endorse a candidate that is supportive toward shared parenting.

The New Jersey survey was conducted over a seven day period that concluded on August 31, 2021. The sample size of 575 respondents was representative of New Jersey adults with respect to race, gender, age, income, and political alignment. The data provides an estimated credibility interval of plus or minus 6%, according to Researchscape International. The polling of the respondents concluded that in instances of separation or divorce:

• 95% of those in New Jersey believe it is in the child's best interest ... to have as much time as possible with each parent.

• 94% of those in New Jersey expressed a commitment to vote their beliefs being "more likely to vote for a candidate who supports children spending equal or nearly equal time with each parent ...when both parents are fit and willing to be parents."

• 85% of those in New Jersey indicated they would support a change in New Jersey law that awards children as much time as possible with each parent after divorce or separation.

• 77% of those in New Jersey surveyed believe that when there is conflict between parents, awarding sole custody to one parent increases conflict.

• 75% of those in New Jersey believe that it’s better for children to have two homes, one with each parent, rather than only one home with one of their parents. 

• 88% of those in New Jersey believe that both parents should have equal rights and responsibilities following divorce or separation.

These statistics provide meaningful and accurate data that can be used to support legislation that has recently been introduced to the New Jersey State Legislature. Bill A1812 has gained bi-partisan support and has been sponsored and co-sponsored by 18 lawmakers affiliated with both the Democratic and Republican parties. According to the bill’s statement, Bill A1812 clarifies the existing law to define the best interests of children to mean they have meaningful access to the love, nurturing, guidance and support of both parents. The primary purpose of this legislation is to make clear to mothers and fathers, family law attorneys, and the court that time with children is not to be used as leverage in litigation.  

NPO is advocating for the public’s involvement as a way to further support this bill. Having this type of law in New Jersey will help improve the state’s low grade on NPO’s Shared Parenting Report Card. New Jersey received a D+ grade in the most recent report, which was published in 2019. As noted in the Report Card, New Jersey received a D+ grade due to the following:

• New Jersey has no statutory preference for, or presumption of, shared parenting (joint legal custody and shared physical custody) for temporary or final orders. 

• New Jersey statutes do not explicitly provide for shared parenting during temporary orders. 

• New Jersey statutes do not require courts to consider “friendly parent” factors in awarding custody. 

Despite the many negatives in shared parenting law analysis in New Jersey, the state was noted for one positive in the Report Card due to a current policy statement in New Jersey statutes that encourages a child to have contact with both parents, stating it is in a child’s best interest. While improvements to the statement can be made, it reads as follows: “The Legislature finds and declares that it is in the public policy of this state to assure minor children of frequent and continuing contact with both parents after the parents have separated or dissolved their marriage and that it is in the public interest to encourage parents to share the rights and responsibilities of child rearing in order to effect this policy.” What is needed is legislation to turn this public policy statement into action.

Based on the results of this most recent round of shared parenting polling, it is clear that New Jersey voters would support equal shared parenting legislation. It is also evident that this issue has garnered bipartisan support, allowing representatives to cross party lines to agree on what is in the best interest of a child, their wellbeing, and their parents. To show your support for New Jersey A1812, click here to learn how you can directly reach out to legislators in the state. This simple and free-to-use online form will guide you through the process of sending your local lawmakers a message to support this bill. 

New Jersey joined five other states, New York, Connecticut, West Virginia, Georgia, and Washington, in the latest round of polling and research gathering. As of October 2021, NPO has commissioned shared parenting polling in 19 states. NPO is working to fund these types of independently commissioned shared parenting polls in all 50 states. To help support the efforts of polling the remaining states, click here to donate.

To learn more about NPO, click here to visit the organization’s website. You can also help to support its mission and vision by donating, fundraising, volunteering, and advocating. 

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The overarching goal of National Parents Organization (NPO) is to promote shared parenting by educating parents, divorce professionals, and legislators and by reforming family courts and laws in every state. NPO focuses on advocacy and research leading to systemic reform of the family courts. The organization does not provide legal aid or advice on individual cases.