Modifies provisions relating to child custody
The impact of SB 805 is expected to reshape custody arrangements in Missouri. The bill seeks to discourage bias by ensuring that custody decisions are not influenced by a parent's sex or financial status. Furthermore, it mandates that custody arrangements are documented clearly, promoting transparency in parenting plans which must reflect the needs of the child, including their emotional and educational welfare. This bill also encourages faster resolutions in custody disputes through interim orders and emphasizes cooperative parenting.
Senate Bill 805 introduces significant amendments to Missouri's child custody laws, specifically repealing section 452.375 and enacting a revised version aimed at prioritizing the best interests of children in custody decisions. The bill defines terms like joint legal and physical custody and establishes a rebuttable presumption that equal parenting time is in the best interests of the child, unless proven otherwise. This legislative change emphasizes the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships between children and both parents post-separation or divorce.
Debate surrounding SB 805 centers on whether the rebuttable presumption of equal parenting time sufficiently protects children from parents who exhibit patterns of domestic violence. Critics argue that without careful scrutiny, the presumption may unintentionally place children at risk. Proponents maintain that establishing a framework for equal parenting supports healthy relationships and involvement from both parents. However, critics express concern that the measures do not adequately account for the complexities of individual cases, particularly those involving domestic abuse and its implications for child safety.