House Bill 231 is an effort to solve problems single custodial parents have with non-custodial parents who refuse to pay their share of child support. Many custodial parents go for years with no financial support, yet the non-custodial parent maintains parental rights as if they helped provide for the child. Under current law, these non-custodial parents maintain whatever parental jurisdiction the courts allow. However, the custodial parent holds all the financial responsibility.

House Bill 231 would allow custodial parents to petition the court to have the non-custodial parents rights removed. If the court finds that the removal of parental rights is in the best interest of the child, those rights can be removed. This frees the custodial parent from the burden of consulting and involving a deadbeat parent.

This legislation will provide a tool to a parent from having to share parental decisions with non custodial parents who don't pay their fair share. In addition, this legislation could alleviate the non-custodial parent from having to pay support in the future.

Last Updated: 04-06-03

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