MS HB295

Amends Section 93-5-24 to establish a presumption that joint custody and equally shared parenting time are in the best interest of a minor child when both parents have agreed to joint custody.

Defines "joint custody" to include equally shared parenting time and modifies definitions of joint legal custody and joint physical custody to explicitly include equal parenting time.

Brings forward Section 93-11-65 regarding chancery court jurisdiction over child custody, support, and maintenance matters, including provisions on child support orders, emancipation, and military deployment situations.

Maintains existing protections against awarding custody to parents with a history of perpetrating family violence, with detailed factors for courts to consider when evaluating whether to rebut this presumption.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.