Seeking to Make Co-Parenting Rights the New Standard After a Divorce

State Capitol – We speak with two divorced fathers, members of “Illinois Fathers for Equality” that seek to have 50-50 parenting after a divorce be the new standard under the law. They say the current custody standard diminishes the rights of fathers and is no longer reflective of today’s society in which BOTH parents are frequently working full-time jobs.

Under the proposed law, HB-185, sponsored by Rep LaShawn Ford (D), fathers as well as mothers would share equally in the time with children, where it is feasible. We hear what they say is behind the movement and are there any safeguards for those cases where one parent may be unfit to have continued contact with their children.