Extra Mile Family Media

I often wonder just how many "fit" parents in Pennsylvania would be delighted to share their children 50/50 in an unfortunate situation such as separation and/or divorce. Thirty-seven other states, plus the District of Columbia, have statutes that explicitly authorize joint custody as a presumption or strong preference. When responsibility falls equally upon both parents, child support becomes a non-issue. There are no “losers”, who are often looked down upon or treated unfairly because they are labeled “noncustodial”. I can’t count how many times I’ve heard a parent brag, “Well, I have primary custody.” What message does that send? And the support paying parent is often suddenly in a financial crisis. For all the financially strapped, fit, noncustodial parents, equality is not a dream. Access Pennsylvania Families Association (www.PFA.me). House Bill 463 is pending, with 60 representatives backing it. Want shared custody? Join us, and contact your representatives.

Gail Bodish

Lancaster, PA

When is this horrible nightmare going to end? When are Fathers Right's going to be upheld and given the importance they deserve? Why are these mothers allowed to break the law and commit these crimes against humanity? When will this InJustice System be brought to JUSTICE?!?!?

I don't know about you but this story makes me mad enough to chew nails and spit rivets!

Fathers of the world must unite to fight this hate crime against Fathers and Children! Who gave that mother the right to deny that child his inalienable right to have his father in his life. As Daddy Justice had correctly phrased it in this video, the Father is being thrown out with the placentia! Since when are Fathers a disposable commidty to be used up and thrown away because they might be an inconvenience to the mother? Or worse, what if she did this just so she can collect the child support award. Is she simply doing this just to ensure she has a steady income?

I should also point out that this is not just a violation of this Father's Rights but it is a terrible violation of this Child's Rights!

So, I have been asking the question, is spanking in Pennsylvania legal or against the law. Here are some of the answers I was given. When I asked Lancaster Family Children and Youth they said that spanking "with an open hand" is not against the law in PA even if your boyfriend did the spanking. Boyfriend? it's ok if the boyfriend did the spanking? Apparently the answer was a resounding yes "if the mother gave him permission" Huh? what if the Father didn't? If Dad is not the custodial parent then he would have to take the mother to court and tell it to the Judge. OK I said, "Is it against the law to hit a child with a wooden spoon"? The answer was "yes".

Stragely enough though, earlier this year I read a legal brief however that showed a Judge ruled that even though a father paddled his child and left brusies as well as splits in the skin that this was not abuse!

Huh! Either someone in this state needs to answer to curruption charges or the people  who call the shots here are completely FUBAR. How can it be against the law to spank with a wooden spoon but not illegal to beat your child with a paddle and cause briuses and tissue damage (e.g. lascerations).

This really stinks of "Hey, I make the rules up as I go!" I think the legislature in this state has quite a bit of catching up to do to arrive in the 21st century.

Why is it so hard to get a straight answer to a question that is such a tender subject to parents?

Can anyone answer this? Leave your thoughts with us in this debate, what do you think?

BTW here is one straight answer I can give you for sure. If the parent is in court and expresses that he or she does not want anyone to discipline their child except for strictly the parents the Judges will almost always order this wish to be honored and it will become a part of the custody order. That is Good News! Maybe not earth shattering but it is still good to know.