HB 2655 - DIGEST

     Finds and declares that:  (1) The relocation of children after dissolution is an issue that has been heavily litigated and has caused much confusion in the courts and for families;

     (2) the parenting act recognizes the fundamental importance of the parent-child relationship to the welfare of the child and that the relationship between the child and each parent should be fostered in parenting plans tailored to involve the child in both parents' lives unless inconsistent with the child's best interest;

     (3) the December 1999 decision by the state supreme court, In re the Marriage of Pape, is contrary to the overall policy of the parenting act;

     (4) the best interest of the child is generally served when the existing patterns between the child and each parent remain stable and predictable;

     (5) changing the geographic location of a child after dissolution may have significant impacts on the relationship between the child and the nonmoving parent, and such a decision is not minor and should not be made without careful consideration; and

     (6) the scope of the minor modification statute was not intended to permit a change in the child's residence, when such relocation would significantly disrupt the relationship between the nonrelocating parent and the child.