MPLP and MCEDSV Outline Legal Opposition to HBs 5211–5213

Post Date
Interest Area
Family

Today, Michigan Poverty Law Program (MPLP) and the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence (MCEDSV) submitted a letter to the Michigan Legislature expressing concerns about House Bills 5211–5213, which would create a presumption of joint custody in child custody proceedings.

These bills would replace Michigan’s evidence-based, child-centered approach with a rigid legal presumption that fails to account for the unique circumstances of each family, including safety considerations, family dynamics, and economic realities.

Our key concerns include:

  1. Presumptive joint custody is not supported by research and undermines the children’s best interests;
  2. Presumptive joint custody places survivors of domestic violence at risk;
  3. Presumptive joint custody disproportionately harms low-income families; and
  4. Michigan’s existing law already supports shared parenting where it’s appropriate. 

You can read the full letter here: MPLP and MCEDSV Joint Letter in Opposition to HBs 5211-5213. 

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