HI HB1701

Requires family courts to hold an evidentiary hearing limited to family violence evidence before determining custody or visitation when allegations or history of family violence exists in the case.

Establishes a rebuttable presumption that placement of a child with a parent who committed family violence is detrimental to the child's best interests and not in the child's best interest.

Prohibits a parent's good faith allegation of family violence from being used as a negative factor against that parent in custody or visitation determinations.

Mandates that child custody evaluators in family violence cases possess specific knowledge and training in recognizing and responding to family violence based on nationally recognized competencies.

Requires the Chief Justice to mandate that all family court judges and professional personnel complete ongoing domestic violence advocacy training at least every three years on best practices and current research.