AR HB1759

Amends Arkansas Code § 9-13-101(b)(1)(A) to allow circuit courts to award joint custody when in the best interest of the child to assure frequent and continuing contact with both parents.

Permits courts to modify a joint custody order to primary custody if one parent demonstrates a pattern of willfully creating conflict to disrupt the joint-custody arrangement, treating such behavior as a material change of circumstances.

Requires any custody modification based on a parent's active duty military service (U.S. Armed Forces deployed overseas or state National Guard/reserve status) to be temporary and revert to the previous custody decree upon completion of deployment unless both parties consent otherwise.

Treats military deployment or federal active duty status as equivalent to daily parental presence and involvement for custody determination purposes.

Provides that child support under joint custody orders is issued at the court's discretion and shall either comply with Administrative Order No. 10 (Arkansas Child Support Guidelines) or deviate from it as permitted by rule.