Bill > SB1708

This bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that joint custody and equally shared parenting time are in the best interest of a child, meaning courts should assume this is the best arrangement unless proven otherwise by a preponderance of the evidence, which is a standard of proof requiring more than 50% certainty. This change applies to child custody decisions in Oklahoma, aiming to ensure children have frequent and continuing contact with both parents after separation or divorce, and encourages parents to share child-rearing responsibilities. However, the bill also clarifies that if a court finds child abuse, domestic violence, stalking, or harassment by one parent, there is a rebuttable presumption that joint custody or any shared parenting plan with that parent is detrimental to the child's well-being, and custody should instead reside with the parent who is not the perpetrator. The bill updates existing statutes concerning child custody and care, and it will become effective on November 1, 2026.

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http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1708&Session=2600