Pennsylvania House Bill HB2506

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/23/24
• Refer: 7/23/24

Caption

In support matters generally, further providing for support guideline; and, in child custody, further providing for definitions, for award of custody and for presumption in cases concerning primary physical custody.

Impact

With the proposed changes, the bill introduces a rebuttable presumption that equal parenting time (defined as close to 50% of time for both parents) is in the best interest of the child. This shift addresses contemporary views on shared parenting and aims to minimize disputes over custody by promoting a balanced approach to parenting time. Courts will be required to document and provide specific reasons for deviations from this presumption, enhancing transparency in custody decisions and potentially reducing litigation related to custody cases.

Summary

House Bill 2506 aims to amend Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by providing further clarification on support guidelines and child custody provisions. A primary focus of the bill is to establish a statewide guideline for child and spousal support that emphasizes the financial capabilities of the parties involved, ensuring that individuals in similar situations are treated in a uniform manner. This guideline is intended to be reviewed at least every four years to account for changes in financial circumstances and family dynamics.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2506 appears to be generally positive among family law advocates who support the emphasis on equal parenting time and standardized support guidelines. However, there are likely some concerns among certain stakeholders regarding how these changes may impact custody disputes, as not all families will fit the equal parenting time model. As discussions on family law often evoke strong opinions, this bill is expected to resonate with various factions within the community, resulting in both support and opposition as it moves through the legislative process.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the bill's emphasis on equal parenting time. While advocates argue that it fosters collaboration and equality among parents, critics may express concerns that it could overlook unique family circumstances, such as cases involving domestic violence or other factors that could make equal time impractical. Additionally, the requirement for courts to articulate reasons behind deviations from this presumption may lead to debates about how justifiable such deviations need to be, potentially creating further complexities in legal proceedings surrounding child custody.