On
Thu, 9 Jun 2005 12:15:31 EDT
Jdibiasejr@aol.com writes:
Subj:
Shared Parenting Legislation
--Passed!
Date: 6/9/05 9:39:43
AM Eastern Daylight Time
Dear SPC Supporters:
Shared parenting legislation,
SB 1194 (as amended in the
Senate) was passed unanimously
by the house. This is a great
day for the children of divorced
and never married couples
in Connecticut. They will
benefit tremendously from
mediation of conflict, parenting
plans, and increased involvement
by both parents. I thank all
of you for your unflagging
support along the way.
That legislation has two important
objectives:
1. The best interests
of the child are redefined
to include (but not limited
to) substantial involvement
by both parents.
2. A parental responsibility
plan is required for most
custody cases. Specifically,
the plan should include:
(1)
A schedule of the physical
residence of the child during
the year;
(2) provisions allocating
decision-making authority
to one or both parents regarding
the child's health, education
and
religious
upbringing;
(3)
provisions for the resolution
of future disputes between
the parents, including, where
appropriate, the involvement
of a mental
health professional or other
parties to assist the parents
in reaching a developmentally
appropriate resolution to
such
disputes;
(4)
provisions for dealing with
the parents' failure to honor
their responsibilities under
the plan;
(5) provisions
for dealing with the child's
changing needs as the child
grows and matures; and
(6) provisions
for minimizing the child's
exposure to harmful parental
conflict, encouraging the
parents in appropriate circumstances
to meet their responsibilities
through agreements, and protecting
the best interests of the
child.
John Clapp, Chair
Shared Parenting Council of
Connecticut, Inc.
65 Auburn Rd
West Hartford, CT 06119
860-983-3685
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