New Child Custody Bill to Help Military Parents

A bill passed in the Iowa House will help divorced parents that are likely to be called to active duty. Before this bill was passed enlisted soldiers were less likely to get custody of their children since they could be sent away at any time. However, if this bill is enacted into law, soldiers could designate a relative to step in to take care of the child while he or she is deployed.

This is a big step for soldiers that do have day-to-day custody of their kids. Rather than turn the children back to the other custodial parent, the children could stay with a relative for the duration of the deployment. Another recent change in custody law would allow soldiers who don't share custody to see their children whenever they return from deployment, even if it is not their scheduled time to do so.

In the case of joint custody, the soldier would need to file a petition with the court before deployment to designate a relative. A judge would take this into consideration, determining the well-being of the child in the hands of that relative.

Need assistance with child custody?  Contact our firm to work with a Riverside family law attorney.