HB333 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Mike Jones
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Child custody, parenting plan required in all cases, court established plan in certain cases, remedies for violations of plan, Sec. 30-3-158 added; Secs. 30-3-150, 30-3-151, 30-3-152, 30-3-153 am'd.
Summary: HB333 would require parenting plans in all child custody cases, redefine custody terms toward joint arrangements, let courts set plans if parents can’t agree, and add remedies for violations of time-sharing schedules.
What This Bill Does
If passed, the bill requires a parenting plan in every child custody case and allows the court to establish a plan if the parents cannot agree. It updates custody terminology to emphasize joint custody and shared decision-making, while clarifying that joint custody does not always mean equal time with each parent. The bill requires the plan to cover key areas like care, education, medical care, holidays, transportation, and who makes major decisions, and it adds penalties for not following the time-sharing schedule, such as makeup time, costs and attorney fees, and court-ordered courses. It also gives the court factors to consider when deciding custody and allows joint custody to be ordered even without both parents’ consent if it’s in the child’s best interest.

Who It Affects
Parents involved in child custody proceedings (both custodial and noncustodial) who must prepare a parenting plan in every case and could face court-ordered plans and remedies for noncompliance.
Children, who are intended to benefit from structured time sharing and a plan designed to maximize frequent and meaningful contact with both parents, with potential adjustments if plans are not followed.

Key Provisions
Requires a parenting plan in every child custody case and allows the court to establish the plan if the parents cannot agree.
Redefines custody terms as joint custody (joint legal and joint physical), clarifies that joint custody does not automatically mean equal time, and defines related terms (nonresident custodial parent, sole custody, etc.).
Gives the court broad factors to consider when determining custody and allows ordering joint custody even without both parents’ consent if it’s in the child’s best interest; establishes a presumption of joint custody when both parents request it.
Adds remedies for noncompliance with time-sharing schedules, including makeup time, payment of costs and attorney fees, court-ordered parenting courses, and other remedies, in addition to existing remedies like contempt.

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