JACKSON, MS — A bill that would create a legal presumption in favor of joint custody and equal parenting time in child custody disputes has cleared the Mississippi Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. Senate Bill 2484, introduced by Sen. Rod Hickman (D), passed with a 49-1 vote, with only Sen. Bob Bryan (D) opposing it. The bill now moves to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration.
The legislation aims to amend Section 93-5-24 of the Mississippi Code by establishing a rebuttable presumption that joint custody with equally shared parenting time is in the best interest of the child.
Key Provisions of SB 2484
- The bill creates a legal standard favoring joint custody and equal parenting time unless proven otherwise.
- Courts must document any reasons for deviating from the equal parenting time presumption unless both parents agree to a different arrangement.
- Child support in cases of equal parenting time would be calculated by determining the difference in obligations between both parents, with the higher-earning parent paying the difference.
- The law applies to all custody determinations, regardless of marital status.
- The bill also upholds existing legal protections against awarding custody to parents with a history of domestic violence.
SB 2484 now awaits debate in the House Judiciary Committee. If passed by the House and signed into law, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2025.
