FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1021

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background:

In dissolution or legal separation cases involving minor children, the court must establish a parenting plan setting forth, among other things, each parent's residential time with the children. The court must make residential provisions that encourage each parent to maintain a loving, stable, and nurturing relationship with the child, considering a number of statutory factors. These factors include, among others: the relative strength, nature, and stability of the child's relationship with each parent; each parent's past and potential for future performance of parenting functions; the emotional needs and developmental level of the child; and the child's relationship with siblings and with other significant adults, as well as the child's involvement with his or her physical surroundings, school, or other significant activities.

The Administrative Office of the Courts creates a family law handbook that explains the rights and obligations of spouses to each other and their children during marriage and after dissolution, including the effects of dissolution on children. The handbook must be provided to petitioners and respondents in dissolution cases. In addition, parties to dissolution proceedings involving minor children may be required to attend parenting seminars or classes. The seminars typically address the impacts of dissolution and parental conflict on children and how to develop a parenting plan that best meets the best interests of the children.

Summary:

In a dissolution or legal separation proceeding involving the care or custody of a minor child, information regarding the harmful effects of parental abduction must be included in any packet of information provided to the parties, or in any parenting class or seminar provided to the parties. The information must contain material set out in statute that discusses the potential immediate and long-term adverse impacts of child abduction by a parent.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	92	0
Senate	46	0