VT S0304

Creates a rebuttable presumption that shared parental rights and responsibilities are in the best interests of the child following divorce or separation

Declares state policy encouraging maximum continuing physical and emotional contact with both parents, unless direct physical harm or significant emotional harm to the child or parent would result

Repeals the factor requiring courts to consider the child's relationship with the "primary care provider," removing language that could favor one parent over another

Removes the provision directing courts to award parental rights primarily or solely to one parent when parents cannot agree, replacing it with the shared custody presumption

Expands recognized forms of parent-child contact to include written, telephonic, and electronic communication in addition to physical contact

Takes effect July 1, 2026