A bill before the Massachusetts Legislature (SB834 and HB1207) urges Massachusetts courts to act in the best interest of children by ordering shared parenting for children in most cases after parents separate or divorce. The legislation proposes a significant change, because, contrary to popular belief, most divorces currently result in sole physical custody to one parent. Local state Rep. Carole Fiola, D-Fall River, should be applauded for co-sponsoring the bill, and legislators on the Massachusetts Joint Committee on the Judiciary will have an important vote on this bill very soon.
Like all great ideas — all people are created equal, freedom of speech, gender equality — the shared parenting idea is simple. Children love both parents, learn from both parents, are protected by both parents, and long for both parents. Plus, research shows that shared parenting is in the best interest of children in most cases, so our courts should allow them to have both parents in most cases after separation or divorce.