The latest legal news and analysis on child custody laws.
10 articles
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 appeals court, Sept. 8, 2026: a family court cannot skip the section 3044 domestic violence presumption because another judge found it rebutted.
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 appellate court reverses a private guardianship order over a mother's objection, ruling permanency cannot override a strong parent-child bond.
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 (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 (HB 2995) took effect June 22, 2026, adding coercive control, including GPS tracking and stalking, to Arizona custody law.
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 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 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.