LINK TO FULL PROPOSAL FOR PARENTAL INTERFERENCE FINDING 

Navigating the complexities of family law can be a daunting experience, and unfortunately, many parents in Indiana face additional hurdles due to parental interference. My experience in the family court system revealed how one parent's deliberate attempts to impede my relationship with my child were consistently overlooked. This is not just my story, but a story shared by countless parents throughout Indiana and across America who struggle with this serious issue.

Parental interference does often go unpunished and can deeply affect both the child’s well-being and parent-child relationships.

To address this, we propose a legislative change in Indiana to require a Parental Interference Finding be entered into family law cases. This finding should create a rebuttable presumption lasting two years, indicating that the parent against whom it is entered has shown an inability or unwillingness to cooperate reliably in parenting-time administration. During this period, there should also be a rebuttable presumption that parenting-time arrangements should not hinge on that parent’s permission, approval, or agreement.

This change would safeguard the interests of children by prioritizing their need for stable, nurturing relationships with both parents. It would also ensure that court resources are not continuously expended on resolving disputes caused by one parent’s interference.

Data from the National Parents Organization suggests that shared parenting arrangements offer better outcomes for children, including increased academic performance and improved emotional health. By reducing the opportunities for conflict and interference, this policy can foster such arrangements and enhance the overall family dynamic.

We urge lawmakers in Indiana to take the lead nationally and set a precedent for other states by implementing these necessary changes to our family law system. Let’s protect our children’s right to a balanced and loving upbringing.

Please sign this petition to support legislative changes that will promote fair and just treatment in family law cases in Indiana. Signing this no matter where you are in the country can create stability for our beautiful country and touch millions of families in a positive way, but we have to start here.