SYNOPSIS: Under existing law, there is a presumption

that joint custody is in the best interest of the child when each parent requests it in a divorce or

other proceeding involving child custody, but as a matter of practice, each parent may not share

 equally in the rearing of the child when joint custody of a child is ordered by a court.

This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to make Alabama law regarding child

 custody and support consistent with current social science data and federal welfare reform laws, to

safeguard due process, equal protection, and liberty interest rights found in the U.S.

 Constitution and the Alabama Constitution, and to ensure that Alabama children have freedom of

 association with each of the two fit parents.

This bill would require the court to order equal parenting time with each of the two fit

 parents unless one or both parents is determined to be unfit, or absent a fair agreement between

the parents not to adopt an equal parenting timearrangement. This bill would require a finding by a court

 that a parent is unfit to be made in writing and supported by clear and convincing evidence.

This bill (SB-196)  and (HB-316) would require the court to apply Rule 32 of Judicial Administration regarding child support.

NOTE: "Support Alabama Child Custody Bills HB 316 and SB 196" on facebook