MS SB2484

Creates a rebuttable presumption that joint custody with equally shared parenting time is in the best interest of the child in all custody matters, with the presumption rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence.

Requires courts that do not award joint custody with equally shared parenting time to document the reasons for deviating from the presumption, unless both parents petition for a deviation.

Establishes a child support calculation method for joint custody with equally shared parenting time: calculate support for each parent as obligor, subtract the lesser award from the greater award, and order the parent with higher income to pay the difference.

Maintains protections against awarding custody to parents with a history of family violence, which creates a separate rebuttable presumption that such custody is detrimental to the child.

Applies all custody provisions to all custody determinations regardless of whether the parents were ever married, and takes effect July 1, 2025.