Bill > SB224

This bill establishes a "rebuttable presumption" in favor of "joint physical custody" for minor children when parents are involved in a custody dispute, meaning that courts will now assume joint physical custody is best for the child unless evidence proves otherwise. Joint physical custody is defined as a roughly equal division of time with the child between parents, either by agreement or court order. The bill amends existing law to introduce this presumption, specifying that it can be overcome by evidence demonstrating that joint physical custody is not in the child's best interest, considering factors outlined in another section of the law, and it also repeals a previous provision that explicitly stated no presumption of joint physical custody existed.

Justice

https://sdlegislature.gov/#/Session/Bill/26565