South Delco News

The House Judiciary Committee has approved a bill introduced by Representative Craig Williams aimed at updating child custody laws for military parents on deployment. The legislation seeks to address challenges faced by servicemembers in maintaining custody and visitation rights during their deployment.

"Leaving one’s family to serve others is difficult enough," said Williams. "In some instances, that deployment is used against servicemembers for child custody and visitation determinations. Further, should a former spouse change states of residence in the middle of a military deployment, there begins another court battle over child custody jurisdiction. For the deployed parent, regaining fair custody or even visitation can be a nightmare."

House Bill 2287 proposes to prevent permanent changes to custody arrangements when a servicemember is deployed for more than 30 days. It also aims to safeguard visitation rights during such periods.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for video and phone calls as part of temporary custody orders, allowing deployed parents to maintain contact with their children.

This legislation was developed in collaboration with the United States Department of Defense and the Uniform Law Commission and has received support from the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Family Law Section. Sixteen states have already adopted similar language as proposed in Williams' bill.

"My legislation will ensure the parental rights of mothers and fathers serving our country in uniform are kept safe while they are keeping us safe," stated Williams, who served nearly three decades in the United States Marine Corps before retiring as a Colonel.

The bill will now proceed to the full House for further consideration.