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In a landmark decision, the Kentucky state government has passed new family law legislation aimed at better protecting the rights and wellbeing of children in custody cases. The bill, which was signed into law on December 21, 2025, represents a significant step forward in ensuring that the best interests of the child are prioritized in family court proceedings.One of the key provisions of the new legislation is the establishment of a presumption of shared custody in divorce and custody cases. Under this new law, judges will be required to start with the assumption that joint custody is in the best interests of the child unless there is clear evidence to the contrary. This shift towards shared custody is seen as a positive development by many advocates, who argue that it is often in the child's best interests to have meaningful relationships with both parents.Additionally, the new legislation includes measures to combat parental alienation, a harmful phenomenon in which one parent seeks to undermine the child's relationship with the other parent. Judges will now have the authority to intervene in cases where parental alienation is suspected, taking steps to ensure that the child's relationship with both parents is protected and nurtured.The bill also addresses the issue of domestic violence in custody cases, providing stronger protections for survivors and their children. Judges will now be required to consider any history of domestic violence when making custody determinations, ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of the child is paramount.Overall, the new family law legislation is being hailed as a significant step forward in protecting children in custody cases in Kentucky. By prioritizing the best interests of the child and implementing measures to combat parental alienation and domestic violence, the state government is making strides towards ensuring that children in Kentucky have the opportunity to grow up in safe, loving, and healthy environments.