Maryland House Bill HB947

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/22
• Refer: 2/10/22

Caption

Family Law - Joint Custody

Impact

If enacted, HB 947 will significantly modify how child custody decisions are made in Maryland. By shifting the default position to favor joint custody, the bill aims to support the notion that children benefit from the involvement of both parents in their lives. Additionally, the bill mandates that both parents share the costs associated with the child’s needs, promoting shared responsibility. This could lead to more equitable arrangements between parents and reduce the financial disputes often encountered during custody battles.

Summary

House Bill 947, introduced by Delegate Shoemaker, seeks to reform child custody proceedings in Maryland. The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that joint legal and physical custody is in the best interest of the child in cases where there is no allegation of abuse. This means that in initial custody hearings, the court will assume that equal sharing of time and responsibilities between parents is preferable unless proven otherwise. The intent of the bill is to encourage cooperative parenting and to provide children with the opportunity to maintain strong relationships with both parents.

Contention

Despite its supportive intentions, HB 947 may face criticism and contention regarding the practicality of implementing joint custody arrangements. Critics might argue that while joint custody can be beneficial in many situations, it is not suitable for all families, particularly in cases where conflict remains unresolved, or where one parent poses a risk to the child’s well-being. Moreover, some stakeholders may raise concerns about how the presumption of joint custody will be applied and whether it could disadvantage certain parents without careful judicial oversight.