Custody and parenting time presumptions modifications

This bill modifies Minnesota's custody and parenting time laws to strengthen presumptions favoring joint custody while protecting children from domestic abuse. It requires courts to consider all relevant factors when evaluating a child's best interests, including each parent's ability to nurture the child and the impact of domestic abuse on parenting arrangements. The legislation removes the previous prohibition on presuming joint physical custody and establishes a rebuttable presumption that joint legal and physical custody serves a child's best interests, unless domestic abuse has occurred between the parents. Courts must make detailed findings explaining how each factor influenced their custody decisions and cannot base rulings solely on parental gender or disability. The changes apply to cases beginning on or after August 1, 2026.