NC S610

Establishes a presumption of shared parenting responsibility in child custody cases, requiring each parent to have close to equal time with the child but not less than 35% of the time, absent mutual agreement, extraordinary circumstances, or a finding that one parent is unfit.

Requires courts to consider that both parents are presumed fit and that maximum contact with both parents serves the child's best interest, while prohibiting inability to cooperate from being determinative against shared responsibility.

Directs courts to presume any parenting plan that maximizes the child's involvement with both parents in decision-making and physical time-sharing is in the child's best interest when two plans are presented.

Establishes a policy encouraging focused, good faith joint parenting agreements to reduce custody litigation while allowing parents to share equitably in parenting rights and responsibilities regardless of marital status.

Requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to create a data collection form within four months and submit reports to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations beginning 14 months after the act becomes effective, with subsequent interim reports every six months and comprehensive annual reports.