HB1237 Summary

• Establishes joint custody as the favored arrangement in Arkansas divorce cases unless the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that custody with one parent is not in the child's best interest.

• Creates rebuttable presumptions that custody or unsupervised visitation should not be awarded to parents who are registered sex offenders, have committed sexual offenses, have physically or mentally abused the child, or owe unpaid domestic support obligations exceeding $10,000 for 24 months.

• Requires courts to deny sole or joint custody to parents with unpaid domestic support obligations over $10,000 unless the parent proves by clear and convincing evidence that the child faces imminent danger of irreparable physical harm from the other parent.

• Authorizes circuit judges to appoint private attorneys to represent children in custody cases and establishes standards for attorney ad litem qualifications through the Supreme Court.

• Declares the act a material change of circumstances sufficient to warrant modification of existing custody or visitation orders and makes it effective immediately upon the Governor's approval.