In a Decision – Smith v. Alverio. (an "Unreported Decision") >> the Court Held:
The Appellate Division determined that the Trial Court’s award of Shared Residential Custody of an 11 month old child was improper because the court failed to adhere to Rule 5:8-1 by referring the dispute to mediation before deciding custody.
Generally, where either Custody or Parenting Time are genuine issues, the Court shall refer to the matter to Mediation.