An Act increasing parental involvement with childcare

HD 3552 requires courts to consider non-custodial parents' ability to provide childcare when issuing child support orders in both divorce (Ch. 208) and out-of-wedlock support cases (Ch. 209C). The bill mandates courts to determine if childcare is necessary, and if the non-custodial parent is available, capable, and willing to provide it. If so, the court must include provisions allowing that parent to provide childcare services, without granting access to the custodial parent's home. Changes in the non-custodial parent's childcare availability can now serve as grounds to modify existing support orders. This bill directly affects parents involved in custody and support cases by altering how courts address childcare responsibilities.