SB266 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Larry StuttsSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
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: SB 266 would overhaul Alabama child custody rules by requiring parenting plans in all cases, creating a strong presumption in favor of joint custody with frequent contact for both parents, and adding enforcement remedies for time-sharing violations.
What This Bill Does
It defines joint custody and joint physical custody and states joint custody is generally in the child's best interest unless proven otherwise. It requires the parties to submit a parenting plan in every custody case; if they can't agree, the court can establish the plan. It adds remedies for noncompliance with time-sharing, including make-up time, payment of costs and attorney fees, attendance at a court-approved parenting course, and other measures, all while enforcing equal importance of parenting time and child support.

Who It Affects
Parents involved in child custody cases (both custodial and noncustodial): must prepare and may be required to follow a parenting plan; joint custody is presumed; remedies available if time-sharing is violated.
Children and their families: aims to ensure frequent contact with both parents and enforce plans and support to support the child's best interests.

Key Provisions
Joint custody policy and definitions, including joint legal custody and joint physical custody; joint custody emphasizes frequent and substantial contact with both parents.
Rebuttable presumption that joint custody is in the child's best interest unless supported by clear and convincing evidence with written findings of fact.
Mandatory parenting plan in all custody cases; court may establish a plan if parents cannot agree; plan covers care, time-sharing, education, medical care, holidays, transportation, and decision-making.
Time-sharing enforcement remedies for noncompliance (make-up time, costs and attorney fees for enforcement, required parenting course, and other remedies).
Court must enforce parenting time, custody, and child support orders with equal importance; applies to orders issued on or after January 1, 2020.

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