An act relating to best interests of the child standard in custody determinations

This bill amends Vermont custody laws to require courts to consider a child's own wishes when deciding on living arrangements and contact with parents. It directly affects families going through divorce or custody disputes by adding the child's preferences as a specific factor judges must evaluate alongside existing criteria like parental ability to provide care and the quality of the child's current environment. The change does not give the child final decision-making power but ensures their voice is formally weighed in the best interests analysis. The law takes effect on July 1, 2024, and applies to all custody determinations made on or after that date.