Bill > HB19

This bill modifies Alabama's child custody laws to create a rebuttable presumption that joint legal custody and substantial parenting time are in the best interests of children. The legislation establishes that courts should start from the assumption that both parents should have equal rights to make major decisions about their child's education, healthcare, and religious upbringing, and that children should have frequent and substantial contact with both parents. When determining custody, courts must now consider factors such as parents' ability to cooperate, encourage the child's relationship with the other parent, potential for abuse, parents' geographic proximity, and the child's emotional bond with each parent. If joint custody is not granted, the court must provide specific findings explaining why the presumption was overcome. The bill also requires that final custody orders comprehensively address parenting time during school years, holidays, and special occasions, communication between parents and children, access to medical and educational records, and child support. The changes aim to promote continued meaningful involvement of both parents in their children's lives after separation or divorce, with the child's best interests as the primary consideration. These new provisions will take effect on October 1, 2026.

Justice

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search