Child Custody - Rebuttable Presumption of Joint Custody

SB 521 establishes a rebuttable presumption in Maryland that joint legal custody and joint physical custody (with approximately equal time) are in a child's best interests during initial custody proceedings. It requires courts to consider specific factors like the child's maturity, parental work schedules, proximity to schools, and ability to assist with after-school care when making custody decisions. If a court decides joint custody isn't appropriate, it must document its reasoning and still ensure frequent contact between the child and the noncustodial parent. The bill directly affects parents involved in custody cases by shifting the default presumption toward joint custody while providing clear guidelines for exceptions. It takes effect October 1, 2025.