SB455 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Zeb Little
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2010
Title: Child custody, rebuttable presumption that change of principal residence not in best interest of child, application to initial determination of custody, Secs. 30-3-161, 30-3-169.7 am'd.
Summary: SB455 would create a rebuttable presumption that relocating a child’s principal residence is not in the child’s best interest, applying it to both initial custody determinations and cases with prior custody orders, and would define what counts as a relocation.
What This Bill Does
If passed, the bill applies the presumption to custody cases with a prior court order and to initial custody determinations. It defines what counts as a change of principal residence and what constitutes relocation (a 45-day or longer change, with temporary absences and escapes from domestic violence not counted). It also clarifies how to determine a child’s principal residence and requires courts to consider relocation-related factors during initial custody determinations. The presumption is rebuttable, meaning evidence can overcome it in a custody decision.

Who It Affects
Parents or other persons entitled to custody or visitation, who may face restrictions or added considerations when relocating with or arranging custody of a child.
Courts and custody decision-makers, who must apply the new presumption and interpret the updated definitions when deciding custody or visitation.

Key Provisions
Provision 1: Establishes a rebuttable presumption that a change of a child’s principal residence is not in the child’s best interests, to apply to both initial custody determinations and custody cases with prior orders.
Provision 2: Defines change of principal residence and relocation, including a relocation as a 45-day or longer change and excluding temporary absence or distance required to escape domestic violence; also explains how principal residence is determined (court designation, parental agreement, or the child’s actual living arrangement for a specified period).
Provision 3: Amends Sections 30-3-161 and 30-3-169.7 to implement the new definitions and to require consideration of relocation factors in initial custody determinations.
Provision 4: Establishes the effective date as the first day of the third month after the bill is passed.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Child Custody