Family law: child custody; factors determining best interest of child in joint custody; include equal time with both parents as a factor. Amends secs. 6a & 7a of 1970 PA 91 (MCL 722.26a & 722.27a). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5211'25, HB 5213'25

This bill would amend Michigan's Child Custody Act to establish a presumption that equal or approximately equal parenting time with both parents is in a child's best interest. It requires courts to inform parents about joint custody options and the presumption of equal time during custody disputes, and specifies that "joint custody" means either shared decision-making for important child welfare matters or equal physical time with each parent. The bill also clarifies that joint custody does not affect child support obligations, which remain based on each parent's resources and the child's needs. This applies directly to parents involved in custody cases and judges handling such cases under Michigan law.