MO HB2044

Establishes a rebuttable presumption that equal or approximately equal parenting time to each parent is in the best interests of the child, which can only be overcome by a preponderance of evidence

Requires courts to give priority to grandparents when awarding third-party custody or visitation if both parents are found unfit, unsuitable, or unable to be custodians

Prohibits courts from awarding custody or unsupervised visitation to a parent if that parent or anyone residing with them has been convicted of specified felony sex offenses against a child

Bars courts from adopting standardized or default parenting plans, and prohibits interim orders addressing custody or parenting schedules without first providing notice and a hearing to the parties

Requires written findings of fact and conclusions of law when courts deviate from the equal parenting time presumption or reject a proposed custodial arrangement