New Jersey
What can I do if the other parent violates a custody order in New Jersey?
Quick answer
A New Jersey litigant can ask the court to enforce an order by application in the case under R. 1:10-3. In FD cases this is done with the Application/Cross Application to Modify a Court Order (CN 11487); in FM cases, with a motion to enforce litigant’s rights from the post-judgment packet (CN 10483).
Researched by Dan Martin, Legal Researcher · Published by Onbello Legal · Last updated October 2026
What the court can order
On finding that a party violated a custody or parenting time order, the court may order compensatory time with the children; economic sanctions, including costs such as child care incurred when a parent fails to appear for parenting time; changes to transportation; exchanges in a public place; counseling at the violating parent’s expense; temporary or permanent modification of custody if in the children’s best interest; community service; incarceration, with or without work release; a warrant to be executed on a further violation; or other equitable relief (R. 5:3-7(a)). The court may also award counsel fees to the party granted relief (R. 1:10-3).
Tools and resources
Where to check this
Forms, deadlines, and local rules change. Verify anything on this page against the official self-help resources for your state before you rely on it.
This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws and local rules vary and change. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed family-law attorney in your state.