SB253 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Child custody, military deployment not sole factor in determination in original order or modification

Summary

SB253 would ban using a parent's military deployment as the sole factor in child custody decisions and allow temporary custody orders during deployment-related continuances.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, deployment cannot be the only reason a court makes an original custody decision or changes an existing one. The bill also allows a court to issue a pendente lite (temporary) custody order when a custody case is continued under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. It does not change other rights under existing law, and the act would take effect immediately after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Deployed parent or parent with custodial rights: deployment cannot be the sole factor in custody decisions, affecting how decisions are made.
• Courts handling Alabama child custody cases: may issue pendente lite custody orders during continuances under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

Key Provisions

• Deployment may not be considered by the court as the sole factor when making an original child custody determination, or in modifying an existing custody determination.
• Any continuance or stay of a child custody case under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act may include a pendente lite custody determination order.
• Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or expand the legal rights of any person under existing law.
• The act becomes effective immediately following its passage and approval by the Governor (or otherwise becoming law).

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

Subjects

Child Custody