The bill amends Section 598.41 of the Iowa Code to enhance the legal framework surrounding the establishment and modification of child custody arrangements during divorce proceedings. It introduces new provisions that allow a court 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 mandates that the district court resolve disputes regarding joint legal custody either during or after the dissolution of marriage process. To initiate this resolution, a parent must file an application with the court, which will then set a hearing to address the dispute promptly.

Furthermore, the bill permits parents to create a stipulation for a parenting plan that outlines the allocation of parenting functions and parenting time. The court is required 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 for custody arrangements and ensure that the welfare of the child remains the primary focus in legal proceedings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 598.41