A new law in Pennsylvania, which includes a provision authored by Representative Jamie Flick (R-Lycoming/Union), aims to simplify child custody issues by reducing the number of factors considered from 19 to 12. Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed this measure into law. The amendment, proposed by Flick, requires family courts to provide individuals named in custody petitions with a written copy of these new factors when decisions are made.
The amendment mandates that the court distributes copies of the new factors within 30 days of any modifications. This was unanimously approved by the House. “Everyone involved in these cases must understand what factors the courts are considering when making custody decisions,” said Flick. “This allows them to present relevant information and arguments.”
Flick advocates for 50/50 shared custody and noted that once his amendment was added, it took just over a month for the Senate to pass the bill unanimously and for Shapiro to sign it. “I am pleased the governor supports my amendment,” he added.
House Bill 1499, another initiative by Flick, seeks fairness in custody matters and ensures children have equal access to both parents. It has gained support from more than two dozen lawmakers as cosponsors and is backed by constituents across Pennsylvania and nationwide.
“Republicans and Democrats are coming together on this issue because they recognize that custody decisions should put children first – not politics or outdated assumptions,” stated Flick.
The new legislation will take effect later this summer.
