The bill amends Section 598.41 of the Iowa Code to establish clearer requirements for parents seeking joint physical custody of a child following a dissolution of marriage. It mandates that if joint legal custody is awarded, the court shall require both parents to submit a proposed joint physical care parenting plan before ruling on the request for joint physical care. This plan must address various aspects of co-parenting, including decision-making, living arrangements, and the division of the child's time between parents.

Additionally, if a court denies a request for joint physical care, it must provide specific findings and outline the requirements that the parent not awarded physical care must meet to be considered for joint physical care in the future. The bill also stipulates that fulfilling these requirements will be regarded as a significant change in circumstances for modifying custody orders. Furthermore, it prohibits the parent awarded physical care from intentionally obstructing the other parent's ability to meet these requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 598.41