Child Custody Laws News
The latest legal news and analysis on child custody laws.
13 articles
Judge Who Jailed Two Children After Custody Hearing Loses Appeal
The Eighth Circuit affirmed the denial of qualified immunity on October 13, 2026 for a Missouri judge who had two children locked in holding cells.
Washington Court: GAL Immune Despite Not Reporting Abuse
Washington Court of Appeals held quasi-judicial immunity bars a failure-to-report claim against a guardian ad litem, and reversed a $4.5 million verdict.
Justice Kagan Denies Surrogate's Emergency Stay in Parentage Case
Justice Kagan denied an emergency stay Sept. 22, 2026 in a California surrogacy parentage case. A stay denial is not a merits ruling and sets no precedent.
Kentucky Court of Appeals: Foster Parents Lack Standing to Block Reunification Order
Kentucky's Court of Appeals denied foster parents' emergency motion to stop a reunification, ruling notice and a right to be heard under KRS 620.360 do not make a foster parent a party. The writ petition is still pending.
California Court Reverses Custody Order for Section 3044 Error
California appeals court, Sept. 8, 2026: a family court cannot skip the section 3044 domestic violence presumption because another judge found it rebutted.
Maine Court Rejects Strict Scrutiny in Religious Custody Ruling
Maine's Law Court held in Bickford v. Bradeen, 2026 ME 94, that the best interest standard, not strict scrutiny, governs religious custody calls.
Illinois Appeals Court Reverses Guardianship Over Reunification
Illinois appellate court reverses a private guardianship order over a mother's objection, ruling permanency cannot override a strong parent-child bond.
California AB 2789 Changes How Courts Must Notify Parents of Custody Mediation
California AB 2789, signed Aug. 22, 2026, changes how courts notify parents of custody mediation and requires notice of the domestic violence separate sessions right. Effective Jan. 1, 2027.
Louisiana Act 605 Makes Equal 50/50 Custody the Default Standard
Louisiana Act 605 (HB 1239) changes joint custody law so physical custody "shall" be shared equally, effective August 1, 2026. Here's what changed and what didn't.
Arizona's Alec and Lydia Act Adds Coercive Control to Custody Law
Arizona's Alec and Lydia Act (HB 2995) took effect June 22, 2026, adding coercive control, including GPS tracking and stalking, to Arizona custody law.
Florida SB 1128: Unwed-Father Paternity and Time-Sharing Bill
Florida SB 1128 took effect July 1, 2026, giving unmarried fathers a faster path to establish paternity and requiring priority temporary time-sharing hearings.
Mississippi's 50/50 Joint Custody Law (HB 1662) Takes Effect July 1, 2026
Mississippi HB 1662, signed April 8, 2026, takes effect July 1, 2026, creating a rebuttable presumption of equal joint custody. What it changes for parents.
Kyra's Law Explained: New York's Custody-Safety Overhaul Awaits the Governor's Signature
Kyra's Law passed the New York Legislature on June 5, 2026 and awaits Governor Hochul's signature. What the custody-safety bill would change, and its current pending status.