NC S162

Establishes a rebuttable presumption that joint custody and shared parenting (child spending approximately equal time with each parent) is in the best interest of the child in custody proceedings

Requires courts to consider 11 specific factors when determining shared parenting schedules, including each parent's wishes, the child's wishes, domestic violence history, physical and mental health of parties, and likelihood of allowing continuing contact with the other parent

Allows the presumption to be rebutted if: the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that shared parenting is not in the child's best interest, the parties reach their own custody agreement, or one party does not request custody

Adds as state policy the encouragement of parental agreements establishing joint custody arrangements where children spend as close to equal time as possible with each parent

Becomes effective upon becoming law