Stipulated orders before judgment in actions for divorce, annulment, or legal separation

What it does

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

This bill allows a judge to enter the terms of certain stipulations as initial orders before judgment in some actions affecting the family. Under the bill, parties to an action for divorce, annulment, or legal separation may reach agreement regarding physical placement, legal custody, child support, property division, maintenance, or related provisions and file a stipulation with the court specifying the terms of that agreement. The bill requires that before entering an initial order based on a stipulation, the judge must hold a hearing on the record with both parties and the child support agency, if a party, to determine the parties' understanding of the stipulation and ensure that it is intended by both parties as the initial order on the terms set forth. The hearing may be held via telephone, video, or electronic means, and a party or a party's attorney may appear via telephone or video for good cause shown, but each party must attend the hearing by telephone, video, electronic means, or in person.

Under the bill, a judge shall incorporate and enter the terms of a stipulation regarding legal custody, physical placement, or related provisions as an initial order of physical placement or legal custody after the judge conducts the analysis required in any action affecting the family with respect to placement and custody, unless the judge finds that the terms of the stipulation are not in the best interest of the child.

Who's behind it

4 representatives are its authors⁠. All 4 are Republicans.

2 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.