Bill > SB374

This bill amends a section of Chapter 40, Article 4 of the New Mexico Statutes to provide for a presumption of equal time-sharing between parents in child custody determinations. The key provisions of the bill include: - Establishing a presumption that joint custody with equal time-sharing is in the best interests of the child in an initial custody determination, unless there is a specific finding that joint custody is not in the child's best interest. - Requiring the court to set a hearing to determine equal legal and physical joint custody if joint legal custody has been previously awarded but not equal physical custody, without a finding that equal custody is not in the child's best interest. - Directing the court to allocate parenting time equally between the parents, presuming it is in the child's best interests, unless there is domestic violence or another relevant factor. - Specifying additional factors the court must consider in determining joint custody, such as the child's relationship with each parent, the parents' willingness to cooperate, and any history of domestic violence. - Providing guidelines for how major decisions regarding the child's life, such as changes in residence or education, should be made under a joint custody arrangement. The bill aims to promote the involvement of both parents in the child's life and ensure the maximum cooperation of parents in raising their children.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/legislation.aspx?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=374&year=21