Shared Parenting Legislation
Utah – A new law which went into effect this week encourages the state courts to award equal child custody following divorce or separation. House Bill 35, sponsored by Representative V. Lowry Snow of St. George, combats the outdated family court tradition of awarding sole custody to one parent – usually the mother – about 80 percent of the time. The bill creates amendments for an optional parent-time schedule of 145 overnights, sets holiday schedules and provides for specific elections by the noncustodial parent.The National Parents Organization applauds Utah for being one of the first states int he nation to pass shared parenting. It’s even mentioned in the Wall Street Journal story, “Big Shift Pushed in Custody Disputes.”
Tennessee – enacted a law requiring judges to give parents the maximum parenting time possible. Here’s the entire text of the bill as enacted:
Section 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 36-6-106(a), is amended by adding the following language after the first sentence: In taking into account the child’s best interest, the court shall order a custody arrangement that permits both parents to enjoy the maximum participation possible in the life of the child consistent with the factors set out below, the location of the residences of the parents, the child’s need for stability and all other relevant factors.
Section 2. This act shall take effect upon becoming law, the public welfare requiring it. See more on this story by clicking here
South Dakota – In Pierre, the Senate State Affairs Committee agreed to send to the Senate floor, SB 125. This bill deals with the delicate, tricky, and usually very stressful issue of parenting the kids after a divorce. For more on this story click here.