Senate Bill 162, titled “Shared Parenting,” was introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly during the 2025-2026 session. The bill aims to establish a presumption of joint custody and shared parenting in child custody cases.

Specifically, it proposes that courts presume joint custody and shared parenting are in the best interest of the child, meaning the child would spend as close as possible to an equal amount of time with each parent.  
The bill was filed on February 25, 2025, and passed its first reading in the Senate on February 26, 2025. On the same day, it was referred to the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate. 

As of March 31, 2025, there have been no further actions or updates regarding Senate Bill 162. The bill remains in the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate, awaiting further consideration.