MI HB6261

Establishes a presumption that joint custody is in the child's best interests in custody disputes between parents, requiring courts to award joint legal custody and maximize parenting time unless clear and convincing evidence shows otherwise.

Replaces the concept of "best interests" factors related to moral fitness and religious upbringing with new considerations including which parent allows meaningful contact with the other parent, domestic violence history, coercion or duress, and false reporting of child abuse.

Requires courts to adopt parenting plans with maximized parenting time using preferred schedules (one week with each parent or alternating 2-day/3-day blocks) with equal holiday splitting, unless determined not in the child's best interests.

Adds definitions including "legal decision making," "joint legal custody," "sole legal decision making," and "maximized parenting time" (defined as joint and equal physical custody).

Prohibits courts from considering a parent's active duty military service or deployment as a negative factor in custody determinations, and provides procedures for stay of proceedings during deployment periods.