452.395. Custody proceedings, priority of--judge to determine law and fact--secrecy, when. - Missouri Statutes

Custody proceedings, priority of--judge to determine law andfact--secrecy, when.

452.395. 1. Custody proceedings shall receive priority in being setfor hearing.

2. The court without a jury shall determine questions of law andfact. If it finds that a public hearing may be detrimental to the child'sbest interests, the court may exclude the public from a custody hearing,but may admit any person who has a direct and legitimate interest in theparticular case.

3. If the court finds it necessary to protect the child's welfarethat the record of any interview, report, investigation, or testimony in acustody proceeding be kept secret, the court may make an appropriate ordersealing the record.

(L. 1973 H.B. 315 § 20, A.L. 1996 S.B. 869)

Effective 7-1-97