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In a landmark decision on January 22, 2026, the Maryland state legislature passed new reforms to the family law code, specifically focusing on child custody and divorce proceedings. The changes come after years of advocacy by family law attorneys and activists seeking to modernize and streamline the system for families navigating complex legal issues.One of the most significant changes to the law is the implementation of a presumption of shared custody in cases of divorce or separation. Under this new provision, unless there is evidence of abuse or neglect, both parents will be granted equal parenting time and decision-making responsibilities for their children. This move is seen as a positive step towards promoting co-parenting and ensuring that children maintain meaningful relationships with both of their parents.In addition, the new legislation also includes updates to the calculation of child support payments. The formula now takes into account both parents' income levels, as well as the amount of time each parent spends with the children. This more equitable approach aims to ensure that children receive adequate financial support from both parents, regardless of their marital status.Furthermore, the reforms address issues surrounding domestic violence by requiring judges to consider a history of abuse when making custody determinations. This increased focus on protecting victims of domestic violence is a welcome change that advocates hope will prevent further harm to vulnerable family members.Overall, these changes represent a significant improvement in Maryland's family law system, prioritizing the best interests of children and promoting fairness and equality in custody and divorce proceedings. Family law attorneys and activists have praised the reforms as a step in the right direction towards creating a more just and balanced legal framework for families in the state.