Harrisburg, Pa. — As part of his ongoing advocacy for 50-50 shared custody over children, Rep. Jamie Flick recently defended a narrowly-rejected amendment to legislation updating Pennsylvania’s child custody court policies.
The House has halted the vote on HB 378 , which recommended updating and merging deciding factors in custody matters including levels of cooperation and conflict between parties; willingness and ability of a party to prioritize the needs of a child by providing appropriate care; stability and continuity for the child; and employment schedules and ability to either care for the child or make appropriate childcare arrangements.
Rep. Flick’s amendment to the bill would have created a presumption that 50-50 custody is in the best interest of the child as long as both parents are fit to provide care. In addition, it removes the 19 child custody factors and replaces them with considerations for past abuse committed by a party; the level of conflict between parties; and willingness and ability to cooperate. The amendment also requires a judge to provide a written explanation for the decision if 50-50 custody is rejected…