This bill amends Minnesota Statutes regarding family law, specifically focusing on custody and parenting time presumptions. It modifies the evaluation criteria for determining the best interests of the child by adding a rebuttable presumption against joint legal and physical custody in cases where domestic abuse has occurred between parents. The court is required to consider the nature and context of the domestic abuse and its implications for the child's safety and well-being. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that the court must not prefer one parent over the other based solely on gender and must consider both parents as capable of nurturing relationships unless substantial reasons suggest otherwise.

Furthermore, the bill increases the minimum percentage of parenting time a child must receive from 25% to 40%, and it mandates that parenting time orders include specific schedules for regular parenting time. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2025, applying to proceedings that begin on or after that date. The bill aims to enhance the safety and developmental needs of children in custody arrangements while ensuring that both parents are given fair consideration in the parenting process.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 518.17, 518.175