AL HB18

Creates rebuttable presumptions favoring joint custody and shared parenting time when a valid voluntary acknowledgment of paternity exists in custody, visitation, or child support proceedings

Presumes parents living within 40 miles of their child are entitled to equal rights for major decisions and equally shared joint physical custody

Prohibits either parent from removing the child from the state without consent of the other parent or court permission, as a rebuttable presumption

Exempts cases involving domestic or family violence from these presumptions (per Section 30-3-131)

Effective date: October 1, 2026