Lycoming News

State Representative Jamie Flick of Pennsylvania has introduced legislation advocating for a change in child custody laws. His proposal seeks to establish a presumption that a 50-50 custody arrangement is in the best interest of the child when both parents are deemed fit. The amendment also requires judges to document in writing the reasons for not granting such an arrangement if it is not awarded.

The proposed bill aims to modify existing criteria for child custody decisions, giving priority to factors like cooperation between parents, their ability to prioritize the child's needs, and their availability. Despite the amendment failing by a narrow 103-99 vote, it received bipartisan support. Flick noted the significance of getting the proposal to the floor for a vote and expressed optimism about its potential to eventually pass in Pennsylvania.

Flick's initiative stems from his own experiences in the court system, where he was granted limited custody of his children. He attributes the frustration from his custody battle as a motivator for his legislative efforts, stating, "Plain and simple, the courts kidnapped my kids." Statistics indicate that, in Pennsylvania, fathers typically receive 28.2% of parenting time.

With claims that shared parenting reduces negative outcomes for children, Flick stresses the importance of fathers in child development. He argues against the financial incentives in custody cases for the legal system, suggesting children should be prioritized over monetary gain.

The bill is part of a broader movement, with similar proposals seeing success in other states, such as Kentucky, South Dakota, Florida, and Missouri. Flick has been promoting the legislation nationally, gaining support from both constituents and fellow lawmakers. His campaign highlights the disparity between its popularity with the public and its reception in legal circles due to the financial implications for those involved in custody disputes.

For those interested in viewing his full remarks on the issue, Representative Jamie Flick invites contact through his office.