HI HB697

Requires family court judges and professional personnel to complete mandatory ongoing training in domestic violence advocacy and best practices at intervals of no more than every three years.

Mandates an evidentiary hearing limited to family violence evidence in custody and visitation disputes where allegations or history of family violence exists.

Creates a rebuttable presumption that family violence by a parent is detrimental to the child and not in the child's best interest for sole, joint legal, or joint physical custody.

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

Requires child custody evaluators in family violence cases to have specific knowledge and training in recognizing and responding to domestic violence, and allows non-degree holders to be appointed if no mental health issues are involved.