Provides that a grandparent shall be given priority if it is in the best interest of the child to be placed in the custody of a third party

HB 2044 replaces Missouri's child custody law to require courts to determine custody based on the child's best interests. It establishes that courts should assume equal parenting time for both parents is in the child's best interest, which can be challenged with evidence of factors like domestic violence or parental agreement. The court must consider specific factors including the child's relationship with each parent, the child's adjustment to home and school, and any history of abuse. The bill defines "third-party custody" as custody awarded to a non-parent but does not create a priority for grandparents or other specific third parties.