Iowa Working on Child Custody Law Changes

Representative Julian Garrett, a Republican from Indianola, is one of many working to get some serious changes inchild custody laws. The Iowa House voted last week to change the rules that judges must follow when awarding child custody. He went on to say that judges are too quick to award sole custody to mothers.

In an attempt to give everyone "equal opportunity" when it comes to child custody, the bill purports that joint physical custody should always be the preferred route unless one of the parents is able to prove differently to a judge. Garrett added that " I believe that children do best when they have a close relationship with both parents."

Yet the system seems to overlook divorced fathers who want to spend more time with their children.

However, according to Representative Mary Wolfe, a Democrat from Clinton, the courts are already working in a gender-neutral way. She thinks that the bill would force judges to give more consideration to the existing disagreements between the parents.

Need help with a child custody matter?  Contact our law office to discuss your options with a Jacksonville family lawyer.