Bill > H1305

This bill proposes to amend existing laws regarding child support orders to increase the involvement of non-custodial parents in childcare. Specifically, when a court issues an order for child support, it will now be required to assess if the custodial parent deems childcare services necessary and if the non-custodial parent is available and capable of providing some or all of that care. If the court finds the non-custodial parent is willing, able, and available to provide childcare, the court's order must include provisions granting them the right to do so, though this does not permit the non-custodial parent to enter the custodial parent's home for childcare purposes. Furthermore, any change in the non-custodial parent's ability to provide childcare will be considered a significant change in circumstances that could lead to a modification of existing support judgments. These changes apply to child support orders related to divorce (Chapter 208, Section 28) and support orders for children born outside of marriage (Chapter 209C, Section 9).