Family law: child custody; factors determining best interest of child; include equal time with both parents as a factor. Amends secs. 3 & 5 of 1970 PA 91 (MCL 722.23 & 722.25). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5212'25, HB 5213'25

HB 5211 would amend Michigan's Child Custody Act to create a legal presumption that equal or nearly equal parenting time between both parents is in a child's best interest for disputes between parents. This presumption would apply unless a court finds clear and convincing evidence that equal time is not appropriate. The bill does not change the existing "best interests of the child" standard (listed in Section 3), but establishes equal parenting time as the default starting point under Section 5. This applies specifically to custody disputes between parents, not involving agencies or third parties, and does not affect provisions addressing cases involving criminal sexual conduct by a parent.