SB 2085 Summary

• Requires a custodial parent seeking to relocate a child to obtain written agreement from the other parent or seek court approval before moving if the relocation would change the child's school district or move the child more than 50 miles from the noncustodial parent's residence.

• Places burden of proof on the relocating parent to demonstrate that the move benefits the child, and specifies that the child's preference is not a factor in determining whether relocation would adversely affect the child.

• Allows courts to consider whether the noncustodial parent has joint custody and exercises regular visitation when evaluating proposed relocations.

• Modifies temporary custody orders for military-deployed parents to terminate no later than 10 days after the parent's return and prevents temporary deployment disruptions from being considered a change in circumstances for custody transfer motions.

• Requires deployed parents and noncustodial parents to maintain contact with children through phone, video, and email, and prohibits custodial parents from withholding leave time visits; takes effect July 1, 2015.