This bill seeks to improve the judicial process in child custody cases by requiring judges and court personnel to undergo training on domestic and child abuse, starting January 1, 2026. It mandates ongoing, evidence-based training to better equip court officials in recognizing and addressing domestic violence issues. The bill also expands the criteria for child custody determinations by explicitly including evidence of child or domestic abuse as a significant factor. Additionally, it restricts courts from ordering reunification treatment or professional evaluations in contested custody cases involving abuse unless the evaluator has specific qualifications.

Moreover, the legislation introduces new definitions and clarifications related to custody and parenting arrangements. It defines terms such as "joint custody," "parent," "parenting plan," "period of responsibility," "reunification treatment," "sole custody," and "visitation," while deleting previous definitions that are now superseded by these new terms. This streamlining aims to clarify legal language surrounding custody and parenting responsibilities, ensuring that the best interests of children are prioritized, particularly in cases involving domestic violence.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 30-3A-2, 40-4-9.1