New Jersey Statutes Annotated 9:2-4(c) sets forth the factors which the Court must consider in determining child custody. They are the following:
1. the parents' ability to agree, communicate and cooperate in matters relating to the child;
2. the parents' willingness to accept custody and any history of any unwillingness to allow
parenting time not based on substantiated abuse;
3. the interaction and relationship of the child and its parents and siblings;
4. the history of domestic violence, if any;
5. the safety of the child and the safety of either parent from physical abuse by the other
parent;
6. the preference of the child, when of sufficient age and capacity, to reason so as to form
an intelligent decision:
7. the needs of the child;
8. the stability of the home environment offered;
9. the quality and continuity of the child's education;
10. the fitness of the parents, but a parent shall not be deemed to be unfit unless the
parent's conduct has a substantial adverse effect on the child;
11. the geographical proximity of the parents' homes;
12. the extent and quality of the time spent with the child prior to or subsequent to the
separation;
13. the parents' employment responsibilities;
14. the ages and the number of the children;
15. other factors as may appear to be relevant and appropriate.
