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Senator Pearson introduces shared-custody presumption bill; debate highlights practical limits and proposed amendments
Summary
Senate file 117 would create a presumption of shared legal and physical custody in dissolution and paternity cases unless specified exceptions apply. Sponsors and colleagues debated distance, standards of proof and the difficulty of enumerating exceptions; committee deferred further testimony and scheduled continuation.
Senator Laura Pearson introduced Senate file 117 to the Senate Judiciary Committee, presenting a statute that would create a presumption in favor of shared custody (joint legal and joint physical custody) unless the parties agree otherwise or certain enumerated exceptions apply. Pearson said the bill seeks to place parents on an “even playing field” after separation and to promote ongoing parental involvement in children’s lives.
In outlining the proposal, Senator Pearson said a court “shall enter an order of shared custody unless” one of several conditions is met, including written agreement to a different arrangement, adjudicated domestic violence, abuse or…
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