CA AB1978

Establishes a rebuttable presumption that equal parenting time (at least 45% of overnights for each parent) is in the best interest of the child when both parents are fit, willing, and able to parent and live within 25 miles of the child's school

Courts may deny equal parenting time only with clear and convincing evidence of circumstances detrimental to the child, including substantiated domestic violence, child abuse, neglect, substance abuse, or mental illness impairing parental capacity

Requires courts to provide written decisions specifying evidence and reasons when denying equal parenting time

Applies to all child custody proceedings filed on or after January 1, 2027

Adds Section 3040.1 to the Family Code; requires no state appropriation and has no fiscal impact