Toledo Reporter

This week, Ohio state Senators Paula Hicks-Hudson and Theresa Gavarone took steps to refine the state's family court system with the introduction of Senate Bill 174. The bill intends to adjust the legal focus toward prioritizing children's best interests in family law.

"As an attorney whose primary practice is in family law, this bill changes the way parents and custodians will be viewed in the law," stated Hicks-Hudson. She emphasized the importance of language in family law in strengthening family relationships and highlighted that the bill represents a collaborative effort among courts, practitioners, and other stakeholders.

The proposed legislation seeks to modernize parenting plans by promoting a child-centered approach to parenting responsibilities. These plans aim to ensure that parents or legal custodians assume responsibilities that support meaningful relationships with their children, provided it aligns with the children's best interests. Additionally, Senate Bill 174 seeks to clearly define what constitutes the best interest of a child, considering factors like safety, parental capability in meeting daily needs, and other critical matters.

The effort to establish guidelines for supporting children's best interests in the state has its roots in work initiated decades ago by the Supreme Court of Ohio, judges, family lawyers, and various experts. The bill has moved forward by receiving sponsor testimony and now awaits further consideration in committee.