Comments a Legislator Can Expect to Hear

With Counter Arguments and Correct Information

The following are some of the most common comments that a legislator will hear about current custody law and the changes that should be made.  These will come from not only proponents but opponents.  I will explain why these are in many cases invalid arguments that come from those that do not think the problematic flaws through thoroughly.

Over the years I have discussed many of these with legislators to help clarify these statements and the cause and effect of these.  I have gone out of my way to explain this to proponents so that these arguments don’t come into the picture and cloud legislators with false information or misleading statements. Far too often common sense leaves the building because of emotion and this comes from all segments.

Opponents of this legislation will also make false claims about the bill and what it does or doesn’t do.  Often these are based on failure to read the bill and preconceived notions that come from their opposition.

From the Fathers’ Right Proponents

This section needs to be broken into those that have divorced and those that were never married as both will make statements that are false or suggest that changes be made that cause additional problems.

From the Never-Married Fathers

“We should automatically get rights at birth.”

“Every child born to a never-married person should be DNA tested at birth.”

“The ‘Baby Mama’ rule should be removed from law.”

“I shouldn’t have to pay child support if she is getting welfare.”

“Fathers have no rights.”

”The state is making money from not awarding equal custody”

 

From those that are Divorced or Divorcing

“There needs to be a presumption of equal parenting.”

“Ohio needs shared parenting.”

“The law is biased in favor of women.”

“There should never be child support in equal parenting.”

“All parents should automatically get equal custody.”

”The state is making money from not awarding equal custody”

“Get rid of Title IV incentives.”

 

From the Judiciary

“This bill takes away judicial discretion.”

“This bill undermines the public confidence in the Courts.”

“This bill will add to already overburdened caseloads for judges.”

 

From Domestic Violence Advocates