LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jim Runestad on Wednesday introduced legislation to create a rebuttable presumption of shared parenting in child custody disputes.

“My legislation does not impose a rigid formula, and it does not tie the hands of judges,” said Runestad, R-White Lake. “What it does is simple — and powerful; it says that absent evidence to the contrary, a child deserves a meaningful, continuing relationship with both parents.”

Under Senate Bills 940, 941 and 942, 50/50 custody would serve as the starting point. The bills would not restrict courts from acting on clear and convincing evidence that demonstrates one parent being unfit, whether that be due to evidence of abuse or otherwise.

The bills are Senate versions of House Bills 5211, 5212 and 5213, introduced by Reps. Gina Johnsen, R-Portland; Jimmie Wilson, D-Ypsilanti; and Brian Begole, R-Antrim Township, which received a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.

“The bills affirm a simple principle,” Runestad said. “When both parents are fit, the best place for a child is not with one or the other, but with both.”

SBs 940, 941, and 942 were referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary for further consideration.

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