Child Custody - Rebuttable Presumption of Joint Custody

HB 1505 establishes a rebuttable presumption in Maryland child custody cases that joint legal custody and joint physical custody (with approximately equal time) are in a child's best interest. Courts must consider specific factors like a child's preference (if mature enough), parental work schedules, school proximity, and ability to assist with after-school care when determining custody. If a court decides joint custody isn't appropriate, it must provide clear evidence for overriding the presumption and document its reasoning on the record. The bill also requires courts to ensure frequent, continuing contact between the child and the noncustodial parent through visitation arrangements.