March 17, 2016
By Robert Franklin, Esq, Member, National Board of Directors, National Parents Organization
The shared parenting snowball continues to gather momentum. The Iowa House of Representatives passed House File 2372 that now goes to the state Senate for consideration. HF 2372 mandates shared physical custody of children where it’s in their best interests. It amends existing law that only permits shared parenting time. Here’s one report (North Iowa Today, 3/6/16).
The Iowa House of Representatives approved a crucial family law reform bill this week. Parental equality leaders across Iowa are calling on lawmakers to pass the legislation quickly to help curb the adversarial nature of the current family law system.
“Iowa has an opportunity this year to be a national leader on children’s and family health. House File 2372 helps us begin to address the problem by maximizing children’s time with both parents after a divorce. This legislation puts children’s emotional health front and center,” Families United Action Network Chief Executive Director Nicholas Dreeszen said.
If the bill is passed, if joint legal custody is awarded in a custody dispute, the court shall award joint physical care to both joint custodial parents, unless the court determines joint physical care is not in the best interest of the child. Under current law this is not required.
If you’re in Iowa, contact your senator today and tell him/her to support HF 2372. The movement for shared parenting is growing nationwide. Be part of it!