MO HB148

Courts cannot enter final custody or visitation modification orders for military parents until 90 days after deployment ends unless both parties agree in writing.

Deployment or potential future deployment alone cannot be the sole basis for permanently modifying existing custody or visitation orders.

Temporary modifications to custody or visitation arrangements may be made during deployment, with the deploying parent retaining custody or visitation rights during approved military leave.

A deploying parent may delegate visitation rights to a family member with a close relationship to the child during deployment if in the child's best interest, with exceptions for those with domestic violence histories.

Courts must expedite hearings for custody and visitation matters involving deploying military parents and must permit testimony by affidavit or electronic means when military duties prevent in-person appearance.