Bill > SF294

This bill modifies existing Iowa law regarding temporary child custody orders during dissolution (divorce) proceedings. Specifically, the bill requires courts to default to awarding temporary joint physical care of the child to both parents during the custody proceeding, unless a legal presumption exists that would prevent one parent from having physical custody. If the court determines that joint physical care is not appropriate, the judge must explicitly explain why, using specific factors outlined in another section of the law (section 598.41, subsection 3). The goal appears to be ensuring that both parents have an equal opportunity to care for their children during the divorce process, unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. The bill represents a shift towards a presumption of shared parenting time during the initial stages of a custody dispute, requiring judges to provide clear reasoning if they choose not to implement joint physical care.

Justice

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF294