Iowa lawmakers pass law dealing with child custody

“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.

The bill passed a House Committee on February 17 on a 13-8 vote.

The parental equality movement has gained momentum across the country in recent years as research has mounted showing children have the best shot at success when both parents are actively involved.

The bill was amended and passed by the House on March 2, 2016.

One provision included in the bill states:

Prior to awarding joint physical care, the court may require the parents to submit, either individually or jointly, a proposed joint physical care parenting plan. A proposed joint physical care parenting plan shall address how the parents will make decisions affecting the child, how the parents will provide a home for the child, how the child’s time will be divided between the parents and how each parent will facilitate the child’s time with the other parent, arrangements in addition to court-ordered child support for the child’s expenses, how the parents willl resolve major changes or disagreements affecting the child including changes that arise due to the child’s age and developmental needs, and any other issues the court may require.

The bill now moves on to the Senate for consideration.