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SB 1026

AN ACT CONCERNING THE PRESUMPTION OF JOINT CUSTODY AND EQUAL SHARED PARENTING TIME IN MATTERS INVOLVING THE CARE AND CUSTODY OF A MINOR CHILD.

2025 Regular Session

Connecticut bill creates legal presumption that joint custody with equal parenting time serves children's best interests unless proven otherwise in court.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Judiciary
#custodyofchildren #visitationrights
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Bill Summary · SB 1026

Legislative bill overview

SB 1026 would establish a legal presumption that joint custody and equal shared parenting time are in the best interest of minor children in Connecticut custody disputes. Rather than courts making individualized determinations, the bill would start from the assumption that 50/50 custody arrangements are appropriate unless evidence demonstrates otherwise.

Why is this important

Custody arrangements significantly affect children's upbringing, parental relationships, and family stability. This bill would fundamentally shift how Connecticut courts approach custody decisions—moving from case-by-case analysis to a default presumption—affecting thousands of families annually and potentially reshaping child support, healthcare decisions, and parental involvement standards.

Potential points of contention

  • One-size-fits-all approach: Presumptions may not account for situations involving domestic violence, substance abuse, parental alienation, or significant logistical barriers where equal time may harm children's wellbeing or safety
  • Implementation challenges: Equal shared parenting time may be impractical for families with work schedules, geographic distance, or children with special needs, yet courts would need to overcome the legal presumption to deviate
  • Burden of proof shift: The bill places burden on the parent opposing equal custody to prove it's not in the child's best interest, potentially disadvantaging protective parents or those with fewer resources for litigation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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