Bill > SB1371

This bill modifies Missouri's child custody laws by establishing 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 new considerations like parents' willingness to cooperate, minimize child exposure to parental conflict, and share information. It explicitly prohibits courts from automatically preferring one parent over another based on gender, age, or financial status. The legislation strengthens provisions related to domestic violence by requiring courts to carefully examine the nature and context of any domestic violence when determining custody arrangements. The bill also ensures that both parents have access to their child's records and information, unless specifically restricted by the court due to safety concerns. Additionally, the law emphasizes the state's public policy of promoting frequent, meaningful contact between children and both parents, while always prioritizing the child's best interests. The bill requires detailed written findings from courts explaining their custody determinations and mandates specific language in custody orders about potential remedies if a parent fails to comply with the agreed-upon arrangement.

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https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=510