The Women's Coalition

Child Custody Act
A New System
The Child Custody Act codes for a new system that will effectively end the Custody Crisis. It will ensure equal protection and due process in custody cases.
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Main Points:
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Cases heard in regular civil court (not Family Court)
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Civil Code w/Custody Act applies (not Family Code)
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Right to a jury
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Right to a speedy trial
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No court-appointed professionals
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Right to same due process protections as tort cases
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Judges have no more powers than in tort cases


In More Detail
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​​Forensic assessment of child if abuse reported
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Children's non-court-affiliated therapists may testify
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No custody, parenting, or psychological evaluations
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Experts may testify about parenting/abuse​ in general
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Experts may not give opinions on the instant case
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No mediation
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No gag orders or sealed records unless both parents agree​
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No social services involvement
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Database to document outcomes
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At conclusion of trial:
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Jury decides two things by preponderance of evidence
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which parent is the primary attachment figure
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if either has been physically, emotionally, or sexually abusive
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Primary parent is granted primary custody; other traditional visitation
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Visits with a physically abusive parent must be professionally supervised
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No contact with a sexually abusive parent
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Judge may not overrule the jury verdict​