My name is not as important as my story that revolves around being a father who has been unjustly torn apart from his children due to a split from my ex-wife. The situation was exacerbated by the financial burdens of inflation and a stagnant salary that didn't match the escalating cost of living in Pennsylvania. Despite having shown consistent adeptness in my roles within the health and human services sector, the lack of fiscal opportunity made it difficult for me to hold onto the custody of my children. I was more financially burdened, and this was the yardstick used in deciding custody. My story, unfortunately, reflects the experiences of many parents, who find themselves caught in the web of an unjust family law system that doesn't assure them of equal rights and responsibilities.

This is why I am calling on the Pennsylvania State house of legislators to introduce an amendment to the constitution of Pennsylvania. This amendment will ensure parity in parental custody agreements during non-violent separations, divorces, and annulments involving biological children. It should guarantee that both parents have equal legal, financial, and custodial rights to their child’s well-being upon separation.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2013, more than 80% of custodial parents are mothers. This indicates a prevailing imbalance in the allocation of custodial rights, an injustice that we should all rally against. Additionally, while courts inherently adjust financial responsibilities, the onus should not disproportionately fall on a single parent, but equally distributed.

Parenting is not solely defined by financial ability or gender. It's high time that our laws reflect this reality by ensuring equality in parental rights, a reform that will positively impact not just the lives of the parents but also, and more importantly, the lives of our children. Together we can advocate for this necessary change in Pennsylvania. Please sign this petition and together let's bring equality in our homes.