NC S645

Establishes state policy encouraging active and ongoing participation of both parents in a child's life and time with both parents when in the child's best interest, regardless of parental marital status.

Requires courts to consider a minimum of 40% annual time with each parent when determining custody terms upon request of either parent, unless such arrangement would not be in the child's best interest or poses safety risks.

Specifies that parents' inability to cooperate with each other shall not be a factor against awarding minimum visitation time with both parents.

Mandates joint physical and legal custody to both parents and the opportunity to submit jointly agreed parenting plans shall be considered upon request of either parent.

Maintains protections for domestic violence victims by allowing courts to enter protective orders and providing that absence or relocation due to domestic violence shall not be held against a party in custody determinations.