HB18 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Patrick SellersRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Acknowledgement of paternity; certain rebuttable presumptions relating to the best interest of a child, created

Summary

HB18 would treat a valid voluntary acknowledgment of paternity as a legal finding that creates presumptions favoring joint custody and shared parenting, while restricting removing a child from the state without consent or court permission, with protections in domestic violence cases.

What This Bill Does

In custody, visitation, or child support cases, a valid acknowledgment of paternity creates rebuttable presumptions that joint custody and shared parenting time are in the child's best interest. It also establishes a presumption that a parent may not move the child out of Alabama without the other parent's consent or court permission, with exceptions for domestic violence. The acknowledgment serves as a basis for child support and pregnancy expenses, and a 40-mile rule may give equal rights and responsibilities for major decisions and equal custody when the parent lives within 40 miles of the child. The act becomes effective on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• A father (and the mother) who signs a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity; effect: the AOP becomes a legal finding of paternity and triggers parental rights and duties, plus presumptions toward joint custody and shared parenting in related cases.
• Families involved in child custody, visitation, or child support proceedings; effect: courts would apply joint custody/shared parenting presumptions and restrict out-of-state removal of the child without consent or court permission, with safety exceptions for domestic violence.

Key Provisions

• A valid acknowledgment of paternity filed with the Alabama Office of Vital Statistics is a legal finding of paternity and confers all parental rights and duties on the acknowledged father.
• In custody/visitation/support proceedings, an acknowledgment of paternity creates rebuttable presumptions that (a) joint custody and (b) equal parenting time are in the child's best interest, with a 40-mile rule giving equal rights and responsibilities for major decisions and equal joint physical custody when the parent lives within 40 miles.
• Neither parent may remove the child from the state of residence without the other parent's consent or court permission, with exceptions for domestic violence.
• The court must consider the same factors used for other custody decisions and the factors in Section 30-3-152 when applying these presumptions.
• The act becomes effective on October 1, 2026, and is titled The Good Dad Act.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 11, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Family Law