HB 1470 - DIGEST

     Declares that, absent a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary, there is a presumption that shared parental responsibility is in the best interests of a minor child or children.

     Declares that there shall not be a presumption that shared parental responsibility is in the best interest of the minor child or children when:  (1) The parents have agreed to an award of residential placement or decision-making authority to only one parent; or

     (2) the court finds that shared parental responsibility would be detrimental to the child or children; or

     (3) one of the parents is found by the court to have a history of acts of domestic violence as defined in RCW 26.50.010.

     Provides that, if the court declines to enter a shared parental responsibility order, the court shall enter findings of fact and conclusions of law stating the reasons for declining to enter a shared parental responsibility order.