Bill > S0304

This bill declares it the public policy of the State of Vermont to encourage parents to share in the rights and responsibilities of raising their children after separation or divorce, establishing a rebuttable presumption that shared parental rights and responsibilities are in the best interests of the child, meaning that courts will assume this is best for the child unless proven otherwise. The bill also amends the factors courts consider when determining a child's best interests, including emphasizing a parent's ability to support and foster a positive relationship and frequent contact with the other parent, encompassing physical, written, telephonic, and electronic communication, except when such contact would cause harm. Additionally, it clarifies definitions related to parental rights and responsibilities, such as "parental rights and responsibilities" encompassing decisions about a child's living arrangements, education, medical care, and upbringing, and "physical responsibility" referring to the daily care of the child.

Justice

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.304