The Missouri House has overwhelmingly approved HB 1494, known as the Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act

The Missouri House has overwhelmingly approved HB 1494, known as the Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act. This pivotal legislation, sponsored by Republican State Representative Dave Griffith of Cole County, aims to address the unique challenges faced by military families in custody and visitation matters when a parent is deployed for military service. The Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act establishes comprehensive guidelines and procedures to ensure the best interests of the child are upheld while providing clarity and support to deploying parents and their families. Key provisions of the legislation include: Deploying parents must notify the other parent of pending deployment within a specified timeframe unless prevented by service circumstances. Both parents are mandated to provide a plan for custodial responsibilities during deployment promptly. Protection of Deployed Parents: The bill ensures that a parent’s past or potential future deployment alone cannot be considered in determining the best interests of the child, safeguarding deployed parents’ rights in custody proceedings. Parents are empowered to enter into temporary agreements granting custodial responsibilities during deployment, with provisions for enforcement and termination outlined in the legislation.
Clear procedures are established for filing motions, modifying, or terminating temporary custodial agreements, and providing a framework for efficient resolution of custody matters. The bill modernizes procedures for the electronic delivery of notices while preserving the validity of existing court orders concerning custodial responsibility during deployment. The passage of HB 1494 represents a significant step forward in supporting military families and ensuring their rights and interests are protected during periods of deployment. By providing clear guidelines and procedures, this legislation offers much-needed certainty and support to families navigating the complexities of custody and visitation arrangements amidst military service obligations. With a unanimous vote of 153-0, the bill now moves to the Missouri Senate for consideration. If passed into law, the Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act would serve as a model for other states, demonstrating Missouri’s commitment to supporting military families and upholding the best interests of children.