AR SB18

Establishes a rebuttable presumption that joint custody is in the best interest of the child in original custody determinations for divorce or paternity cases.

Allows the joint custody presumption to be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence, mutual agreement of parties, if one party does not request custody, or if other specified rebuttable presumptions are established.

Changes court language from "may consider" to "shall consider" awarding joint custody and requires courts to consider the best interest of the child in custody determinations.

Allows a parent not granted sole, primary, or joint custody to receive reasonable parenting time unless the court finds it would endanger the child's physical, mental, or emotional health.

Requires written parenting time orders that specify frequency, timing, duration, condition, and method of scheduling, and must include facts and findings if the joint custody presumption is rebutted with a schedule that maximizes time with each parent.