HB613 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Barry Moore

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Child custody determination, military deployment not considered as a factor, pendente lite custody determination order included in certain orders pursuant to Federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

Summary

HB613 would prohibit using military deployment as the sole factor in child custody decisions and allow temporary custody orders when a case is stayed under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

What This Bill Does

It prevents courts from making original custody determinations or modifying existing ones based only on whether a parent is or has been deployed. It also allows a pendente lite (temporary) custody order to be included in a continuance or stay order under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. The measure applies to anyone involved in custody cases and would take effect immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Parents or guardians who have or are seeking custodial or visitation rights with a child, because deployment cannot be the sole factor in custody decisions.
• Military service members and their families involved in custody proceedings, since temporary custody orders may be used during stays or continuances under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits considering military deployment as the sole factor for original custody determinations or for modifying existing custody determinations.
• Allows a pendente lite (temporary) custody determination to be included in an order granting a continuance or stay under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
• Defines 'child custody determination' consistent with Section 30-3B-102 and acknowledges deployments (past, present, or future) in context but not as the sole factor.
• Effective immediately after passage and governor approval; does not alter other legal rights beyond the act's provisions.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Children