The proposed bill amends Sections 30-3-150 through 30-3-153 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to establish a rebuttable presumption of joint legal custody and substantial parenting time for both parents in child custody cases, except in instances involving domestic or family violence. Key changes include the insertion of language that emphasizes the importance of frequent and continuing contact with both parents, as well as the introduction of specific definitions for joint legal custody, joint physical custody, sole legal custody, and sole physical custody. The bill also outlines that the court must consider various factors when determining custody arrangements, including the parents' ability to cooperate and the child's emotional bond with each parent.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the court's final order must address specific parenting time arrangements, communication between parents, and access to the child's medical and educational records. It removes previous requirements for parents to submit agreements covering various aspects of child care and custody, instead placing the onus on the court to ensure that all relevant matters are addressed in the final order. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30-3-150, 30-3-151, 30-3-152, 30-3-153, 30-3-150, 30-3-151, 30-3-152, 30-3-153
Engrossed: 30-3-150, 30-3-151, 30-3-152, 30-3-153, 30-3-150, 30-3-151, 30-3-152, 30-3-153