SCS/SB 459 - This act adds a rebuttable presumption when determining child custody arrangements that an award of equal or approximately equal parenting time to each parent is in the best interests of the child. Such presumption may be rebutted as specified in the act, including an agreement by the parents on all issues related to custody or a finding by the court that a pattern of domestic violence has occurred. The General Assembly urges the court to enter a temporary parenting plan as soon as practicable in a manner that will best assure both parents participate in custody decisions and have frequent, continuing, and meaningful contact with their children. Additionally, current law requires a court considering child custody to consider and enter written findings of fact and conclusions of law on the child's wishes as to his or her custodian. This act modifies this provision to require that the court instead consider the child's input as to his or her custodial arrangement.
This act is substantially similar to provisions in SB 199 (2021), SB 531 (2020), SCS/HCS/HB 229 (2019), SB 14 (2019), SCS/HCS/HB 1667 (2018), SB 645 (2018), and HCS/HB 724 (2017).
SARAH HASKINS