This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 518.175, subdivision 1, to modify provisions related to parenting time determinations in family law. A key insertion is the establishment of a rebuttable presumption that maximizing a child's time with each parent is in the child's best interests. The bill also specifies that if the court deviates from this presumption, it must provide written findings supported by clear and convincing evidence. Additional provisions include requirements for the court to assess each parent's ability to comply with the parenting time schedule and to consider various factors, such as mental health, substance use, and the child's needs, when determining parenting time.

Furthermore, the bill introduces several new guidelines regarding parenting time, including that the court cannot limit parenting time based solely on the child's age and must not consider a parent's gender or marital status. It also clarifies that a gradual increase in parenting time may be ordered for parents who have been absent from the child's life for an extended period. The bill aims to ensure that parenting time decisions are made with the child's best interests in mind while providing a structured framework for courts to follow.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 518.175