Domestic Relations Committee to consider Parenting Time Coordination

The Domestic Relations Committee of the Indiana Supreme Court will begin considering Parenting Time Coordination in child custody cases when it meets at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

I have been working on writing a statute to require Parenting Time Coordination in all child custody cases before the matters are litigated by the court. I hope this can make post separation parenting a collaborative effort at the earliest time. There is plenty of evidence that shows conflict in the child custody litigation process harms children. I believe if parents are brought together at the earliest stage of the process it may reduce the litigation. I am working on a checklist of factors that should be considered in a parenting plan. Please contact me with anything that you feel should be added.

There will be a cost for this and it will be significant. I do believe that some of the costs will be recovered by reducing court congestion. More important though it will reduce the costs associated with the effects of prolonged conflict on the children. This includes psychiatric care, law enforcement actions and dependence on public resources. This cost is not easily quantified but is there.

I have one legislator who has said he is tired of hearing the excuse that we don't have money for various initiatives. If it needs to be done then find the money. I believe parenting time coordination pays for itself although it may take many years for that savings to be realized. More important than the accounting balance though is that I believe this will lead to more engaged parents and ultimately a healthier life for the child(ren) and relationship with their parents.

The Committee meets on Friday 22 October 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Indiana Judicial Center, 30 South Meridian Street, Indianapolis. Members of the public are invited to attend.



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