Bill > H1422

This bill aims to establish a presumption of shared legal and physical custody of children in cases of divorce or separation, unless there are emergency conditions, abuse, or neglect. It removes the existing language that considered the child's living conditions and welfare when making custody decisions. The bill also provides that a change in a parent's availability or the child's developmental stage is presumed to be a material change in circumstances for modifying a parenting schedule or plan. Additionally, the bill requires the court to make written findings to justify any orders for sole legal or physical custody, and it removes the current presumption against shared custody at the trial on the merits.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H1422