AR SB202

Noncustodial parents are entitled to frequent and continuing contact with their minor child unless the court finds continued contact will endanger the child's physical, mental, moral, or emotional health.

Custodial parents must notify noncustodial parents in writing by certified mail at least 60 days before relocating with the child outside the state.

Noncustodial parents may petition the court within 30 days of receiving notice to prevent relocation, and the court must determine whether relocation is in the child's best interest.

The custodial parent seeking relocation bears the burden of proving what is in the child's best interest, considering factors including the relocation's good faith purpose, improved quality of life, likelihood of compliance with parenting time, effects on the child's needs, and the noncustodial parent's ability to maintain contact.

Custodial parents who relocate out of state may be responsible for transportation costs to court-ordered visitation up to $500 per year, and courts may assess attorney fees and costs against either parent for unreasonable denial of parenting time or bad faith petitions.