The bill amends the Child Custody Act of 1970, specifically sections 7 and 8, to enhance the legal framework surrounding child custody disputes in Michigan. Key changes include the clarification that the court may award custody and support for a child until they reach 18 years of age, with the possibility of extending support beyond that age under certain conditions. The bill also introduces provisions that allow for the modification of custody arrangements if a parent has been convicted of criminal sexual conduct against a minor or has committed acts of nonconsensual sexual penetration. Additionally, it stipulates that a parent's active duty status should not be considered when determining the best interests of the child in custody disputes.

Further amendments include the requirement for courts to affirm orders and judgments on appeal unless there is a clear legal error or abuse of discretion by the trial judge. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining the established custodial environment for the child and outlines the process for handling custody changes during a parent's deployment. It also mandates that parents inform the court of their deployment end date and reinstates the previous custody order upon their return. The changes are retroactive, applying to all final custody orders and judgments issued on or after January 1, 2022.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 722.27, 722.28