It's time put an end to the archaic child custody and support laws currently in place. In an ideal world, parents work together to provide the best emotional and physical environment for their child. Unfortunately, the world isn't always ideal. Sometimes, one parent views the custody of the child as a paycheck. Equal rights are denied to the other parent, all in the name of a monthly child support check, and it is the child who suffers most.

Reformation of these outdated laws must happen. Parents who want to play an involved and equal role in the life of the child should be allowed joint custody. Child support is often a necessity for the parent who earned the lesser income during the marriage, and we support this. However, child support laws should be based on net income after taxes, and proof of spending towards the benefit of the child should be required by the parent receiving these funds.

Most important, equal rights and custody agreements for parents who long to play an active and equal role in their child's life are necessary. The well-being of a child should never be the casualty of a messy divorce. Brand new cars, fancy vacations, and premium gym memberships for the parent who won't share custody for fear of losing these luxury items afforded through child support payments must come to an end.

Please join us in this petition. It is our hope to obtain enough signatures to provide our state and national lawmakers with motivation and support to make a change.