On February 17, 2026, significant changes were announced in Maine family law as lawmakers introduced new legislation aimed at streamlining the child custody process. The proposed bill, known as the "Child Custody Enhancement Act," seeks to make the child custody determination process more efficient and less burdensome for families navigating divorce or separation.Under the current family law system in Maine, determining child custody can often be a complex and time-consuming process, requiring extensive court involvement and potentially leading to lengthy legal battles between parents. The new legislation aims to simplify this process by providing clearer guidelines and promoting mediation and conflict resolution to reach custody agreements outside of court.One of the key provisions of the proposed bill is the creation of a presumption of shared parenting, which would encourage courts to consider joint custody arrangements as the default option in child custody cases. This presumption is based on research showing that children benefit from maintaining strong relationships with both parents, even after a divorce or separation.In addition to promoting shared parenting, the Child Custody Enhancement Act also includes measures to address issues such as parental relocation, child support calculations, and the enforcement of custody and visitation orders. The bill emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the best interests of the child in all custody decisions and aims to reduce the emotional and financial strain that can result from prolonged custody battles.Advocates for the proposed legislation have praised its potential to create a more efficient and child-focused approach to family law in Maine. They argue that by encouraging cooperation and collaboration between parents, the bill has the potential to reduce conflict and promote positive outcomes for children and families.As the Child Custody Enhancement Act moves through the legislative process, stakeholders and community members are eagerly awaiting further developments and discussing the potential impact of these proposed changes on families in Maine. Stay tuned for more updates on this important issue in Maine family law news.