Bill > SB262

This bill modifies Missouri's laws relating to child custody, support, and guardianship, with several key provisions. It establishes a rebuttable presumption that equal parenting time is in the best interest of the child, meaning courts should default to shared custody unless specific evidence suggests otherwise. The bill expands requirements for notifying parents about potential custody transfers, relocation, or changes in a child's residence, including mandatory notification to relatives and interested parties. It provides more detailed guidelines for terminating child support obligations, such as when a child reaches certain age milestones or becomes self-supporting. The legislation also strengthens protections for children by restricting custody for parents convicted of certain child-related criminal offenses and mandates more comprehensive reporting about a child's living history and potential custody proceedings. Additionally, the bill clarifies procedures for third-party custody and guardianship, prioritizing relatives and establishing more transparent intervention rights for interested parties. The overall intent appears to be creating more comprehensive, transparent, and child-focused processes for managing custody, support, and guardianship arrangements, with an emphasis on maintaining meaningful relationships between children and parents while ensuring child safety.

Justice

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=33