Bill > SB638

This bill modifies Missouri's child custody laws to establish a rebuttable presumption that equal or substantially equal parenting time is in the best interests of the child. The bill expands the factors courts must consider when determining custody, including parents' willingness to cooperate, substance abuse history, and the potential impact of domestic violence. It emphasizes the state's policy of ensuring frequent, meaningful contact between children and both parents, while still prioritizing the child's safety and well-being. The legislation requires courts to provide detailed written findings explaining custody decisions, removes language about "significant but not necessarily equal" physical custody, and mandates that both parents have access to children's records unless specifically restricted. The bill also prohibits courts from using standardized default parenting plans and ensures that custody decisions cannot be based solely on a parent's gender, age, or financial status. Additionally, the bill provides mechanisms for parents to seek information and remedy situations where custody arrangements are not being followed, with provisions for potential financial penalties for non-compliance and obstructing information sharing between parents.

Justice

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=3268069