HB1115 Summary

• Creates the Parent-Child Relationship Protection Act to establish procedures and standards for child relocation cases in Arkansas family law.

• Requires custodial parents to file a petition and provide notice to the non-custodial parent when relocating a child more than 60 miles from the current principal residence, with the non-custodial parent having 30 days to object.

• Places the initial burden of proof on the relocating custodial parent to demonstrate by preponderance of the evidence that relocation is in the child's best interest; if met, burden shifts to non-custodial parent to prove relocation is not in the child's best interest.

• Establishes 12 specific factors courts must consider when evaluating relocation requests, including the quality of parent-child relationships, child's developmental needs, feasibility of maintaining contact with non-relocating parent, child's preferences, and any history of abuse or violence.

• Allows courts to consider relocation as a factor in determining whether to modify custody arrangements when the change of residence is in the child's best interest.