Free Republic

Massachusetts HB 1400 will be voted on in committee soon, perhaps as early as July 13th. It would establish a presumption of equally shared parenting in case of divorce or separation. If a judge deviated from an equally shared arrangement, he/she would have to write an opinion detailing the reasons for ordering unequal parenting. This article is a pretty balanced view of the subject on the part of a paper that’s on record as opposing the bill (Boston Globe, 7/5/10). Full disclosure: the article quotes Dr. Ned Holstein who is a board member of Fathers & Families as am I....

It’s so refreshing to read a piece about shared parenting that’s free of the mis-/dis- information we so often see. That’s the case with this editorial about HB 1400 currently pending before the Massachusetts legislature (Worcester Telegram, 5/13/10). HB 1400 that’s backed by Fathers & Families would establish the presumption of equally shared parenting on divorce. The pertinent part of the bill is here: In making an order or judgment relative to the custody of a minor child, there shall be a presumption that, absent emergency conditions, or abuse or neglect of said child, the parents shall have shared legal...