SB 459
Ensuring meaningful contact between child and step-siblings
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
Senate Bill 459 aims to ensure that West Virginia courts consider meaningful contact between children and their step-siblings when determining a child’s best interests. Currently, the law focuses on parent-child relationships and siblings, but this bill specifically adds step-siblings to this consideration. The goal is to promote stability and positive relationships for children involved in blended families. This bill seeks to broaden the factors considered in child welfare cases.
Key provisions
- Adds step-siblings as a factor to be considered when determining a child’s best interests.
- Recognizes the importance of meaningful contact between children and step-siblings.
- Reinforces the existing focus on parent-child relationships and sibling connections.
- This bill amends existing state code regarding child welfare and custody arrangements.
Who is affected
- Children
- Parents
- Step-siblings
- Custody courts
- Family law professionals
Notable changes
- Expands the definition of ‘siblings’ to include step-siblings in considerations of a child’s best interests.
- No significant changes are outlined in the text regarding existing legal procedures.
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