Bill > HB714

This bill amends Pennsylvania's domestic relations law to establish a legal framework for sibling visitation rights. The bill allows siblings (including half-siblings, stepbrothers, and stepsisters) to petition the court for visitation with a child, with the court considering several key factors in making its determination. These factors include the best interests of the child, whether the petitioning sibling is a fit and proper individual, whether the sibling has attempted to visit the child in the past 30 days but been prevented from doing so, whether alternative visitation methods exist, and whether the denial of visitation by the child's current physical custodian is unreasonable. The court must use clear and convincing evidence standards when evaluating such petitions. Importantly, the bill clarifies that "visitation" does not include any form of physical custody, but rather the right to visit or spend time with a sibling. The legislation aims to provide a legal mechanism for siblings to maintain relationships when they might otherwise be prevented from doing so, while protecting the primary interests of the child. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=714