All Comparison Tables
Shared Parenting Presumption
Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026
Whether each state's family code presumes joint legal/physical custody or equal parenting time, and the standard to rebut the presumption.
50 States3 data columnsLast updated: May 2026
Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.
| State | Joint Presumption | Equal Time Default | Burden of Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No | No | Best interest |
| Alaska | No | No | Best interest |
| Arizona | No (preferred) | No | Best interest |
| Arkansas | Yes (joint) | No | Clear & convincing |
| California | No | No | Best interest |
| Colorado | No | No | Best interest |
| Connecticut | No | No | Best interest |
| Delaware | No | No | Best interest |
| Florida | Yes (joint) | No | Clear & convincing |
| Georgia | No | No | Best interest |
| Hawaii | No | No | Best interest |
| Idaho | Yes (joint) | No | Clear & convincing |
| Illinois | No | No | Best interest |
| Indiana | No | No | Best interest |
| Iowa | Yes (joint) | No | Clear & convincing |
| Kansas | No | No | Best interest |
| Kentucky | Yes (joint + equal) | Yes | Clear & convincing |
| Louisiana | Yes (joint) | No | Clear & convincing |
| Maine | No | No | Best interest |
| Maryland | No | No | Best interest |
| Massachusetts | No | No | Best interest |
| Michigan | No | No | Best interest |
| Minnesota | No | No | Best interest |
| Mississippi | No | No | Best interest |
| Missouri | Yes (joint) | No | Preponderance |
| Montana | No | No | Best interest |
| Nebraska | No | No | Best interest |
| Nevada | Yes (joint) | Yes | Preponderance |
| New Hampshire | No | No | Best interest |
| New Jersey | No | No | Best interest |
| New Mexico | Yes (joint) | No | Clear & convincing |
| New York | No | No | Best interest |
| North Carolina | No | No | Best interest |
| North Dakota | Yes (recently) | Yes | Preponderance |
| Ohio | No | No | Best interest |
| Oklahoma | No | No | Best interest |
| Oregon | No | No | Best interest |
| Pennsylvania | No | No | Best interest |
| Rhode Island | No | No | Best interest |
| South Carolina | No | No | Best interest |
| South Dakota | No | No | Best interest |
| Tennessee | No | No | Best interest |
| Texas | Yes (joint) | No | Preponderance |
| Utah | No | No | Best interest |
| Vermont | No | No | Best interest |
| Virginia | No | No | Best interest |
| Washington | No | No | Best interest |
| West Virginia | Yes (equal) | Yes | Preponderance |
| Wisconsin | Yes (joint) | No | Preponderance |
| Wyoming | No | No | Best interest |
| District of Columbia | No | No | Best interest |
Domestic violence findings, substance abuse, and child preference always override any joint-custody presumption under best-interests analysis.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.