HB120 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Ball

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Child custody, allows judge to consider parental alienation for custody purposes, Secs. 30-3-2, 30-3-152 am'd.

Summary

HB120 would let Alabama courts consider evidence of parental alienation when deciding child custody.

What This Bill Does

It adds parental alienation as a factor for evaluating the fitness of a parent in custody cases. Parental alienation is defined as a child being manipulated by one parent to turn against the other. The bill integrates this consideration into both sole and joint custody decisions, influencing what arrangement is in the child's best interest.

Who It Affects

• Parents seeking custody (both mothers and fathers) whose fitness and decisions may be judged with this new factor.
• Children involved in custody cases, as the court may decide custody in a way that reflects efforts to maintain contact with both parents or address alienation.

Key Provisions

• Adds evidence of parental alienation as a factor the court may consider when determining custody eligibility and fitness under §30-3-2, and defines parental alienation.
• Adds parental alienation to the list of factors the court must consider when deciding if joint custody is in the child's best interest under §30-3-152, alongside other factors such as cooperation, ability to share affection, and history of abuse or alienation.
• Specifies the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Child Custody