House committee substitute makes the following changes to the 2nd edition.

Amends the long title.

Amends proposed GS 50-13.01, which provides the policy and the mission of the state in regards to child custody by highlighting five focus areas, by making clarifying and technical changes. Also adds clarifying language that the focus on encouraging healthy relationships between parents is subject to the the understanding of certain factors, including mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, or other factors deemed appropriate by the court. 

Amends GS 50-13.2 making organizational changes and requiring orders for custody to include written findings of fact of the specified factors concerning the best interest of the child (previously, only specified that orders for custody had to include findings of fact, not necessarily requiring them to be written). Reenacts language previously deleted in the first edition which provides that joint custody by the parents must be considered at the request of either parent. Makes organizational changes.