On April 13, 2026, lawmakers in Mississippi signed a new law called House Bill 1662. This law is important because it helps make sure that children get to spend time with both parents after a divorce. Starting on July 1, 2026, the law will assume that having equal time (50-50) with each parent is what is best for the child.

What Does This Law Mean?

1. Equal Time with Parents: When a couple gets divorced, the court will start by saying that both parents should have equal time with the child. This means the child will spend half of their time with one parent and half with the other, unless someone can show that this would not be good for the child.

2. Changing the Presumption: If a parent believes that 50-50 time is not best for their child, they must provide strong evidence to prove it. The court will consider this evidence and can decide to change the arrangement if necessary.

3. Documenting Decisions: If the court decides not to follow the equal time rule, they must write down why this decision was made. However, if both parents agree on a different plan, they can use that instead.

4. Child Support Adjustments: The law also changes how child support payments are calculated when parents have equal or nearly equal time with their child.

Why is This Law Important?

Mississippi is now the sixth state to support shared parenting. The law was passed with a lot of support, showing that many people believe it will help families. The vote was overwhelming, with the House approving it 90 to 10 and the Senate 39 to 10. Supporters think that this law will lead to fewer court battles between parents after a divorce. However, some people, including some judges, worry that this approach might not suit every family since each situation can be different.

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