Are Changes Coming To Custody Laws In Alabama

Are Changes Coming To Custody Laws In Alabama

Are changes coming to custody laws in Alabama?

As anyone who has been through a child custody battle is likely aware, the process can be long and difficult. While it is fairly widely recognized that when possible, it is best for a child to have both parents play an active role in his or her life, the reality is this is not always how custody arrangements work out. Fathers in particular could find it difficult to secure equal time with the child.

In the state of Alabama, there are laws in place that provide general guidelines regarding child custody. Currently, even when both parents are considered fit, the approach most courts take is to award one parent with custody of the children and provide the other parent visitation rights. In most cases visitation is broken out as several holidays a year, a full week in the summer when school is out, and every other weekend the rest of the year.

If passed, a bill before Alabama lawmakers would modify the existing approach. Among other things, House Bill 333 would:

  • Move away from the current custody model wherein one parent is awarded sole physical custody while the other has visitation rights
  • Require the submission of a parenting plan even when parents are not seeking joint custody
  • Make it possible for the court to create parenting plans when parents cannot do so themselves
  • Provide additional remedies when a parent does not follow the time sharing schedule as laid out in the parenting plan, without proper cause.

Not everyone is pleased with the proposed legislation. The president of Alabama Family Rights Association believes that in failing to provide the definition of frequent and continued contact, HB 333 effectively preserves the status quo.

Whether the bill will become law remains to be seen. We will provide relevant updates on the matter when they become available. In the meantime, if you need assistance with a child custody matter, Daniel H. Chambers, Attorney at Law, P.C., located in Birmingham, may be able to help. Contact Mr. Chambers for a free initial consultation.

We have used Daniel Chambers for legal services on several occasions since 2007 with excellent results. He has assisted our family in each matter with a professional yet tenacious manner. He has always been upfront about possible outcomes and honest about how to appropriately deal with challenging situations. I have recommended him several times over and will continue to do so. He has been an incredible asset to have on our legal team and we have always been satisfied with the results.

Melissa Childers

LET'S DO THIS TOGETHER

TAKE THE FIRST STEP AND TELL US ABOUT YOUR CASE





    RETURN TO FORM

    All fields are required to send this form
    See why you can trust this form - view our privacy policy

    Daniel H. Chambers Attorney at Law, P.C.
    2081 Columbiana Road, Suite 3
    Vestavia Hills, AL 35216

    t. 205.913.4057


    Avvo - Rate your Lawyer. Get Free Legal Advice.
    © 2023 Daniel H. Chambers Attorney at Law, P.C. All Rights Reserved. Site Map. Privacy Policy. Disclaimer.
    Website built and managed by Marketing Powers, LLC

    LET'S DO THIS TOGETHER

    TAKE THE FIRST STEP AND TELL US ABOUT YOUR CASE





      RETURN TO FORM

      All fields are required to send this form
      See why you can trust this form - view our privacy policy