The bill amends Section 598.41 of the Iowa Code to establish new provisions regarding the legal custody of children in the context of parental dissolution of marriage. It introduces the possibility for courts to award separate rights and responsibilities of joint legal custody to each parent if it is determined to be in the best interest of the child. Additionally, the bill outlines a process for resolving joint legal custody disputes, requiring a parent to file an application with the court, which must then set a hearing to expeditiously address the dispute.

Furthermore, the bill allows parents to create a stipulation for a parenting plan that details the allocation of parenting functions and parenting time. The court is mandated to approve this parenting plan unless it finds that the agreement does not serve the child's best interests. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines and processes for determining custody arrangements that prioritize the welfare of children during parental separations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 598.41