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Like it or not, the court trend to more equal time continues.

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Proposed changes to custody laws in New York and Washington state would require judges to give substantially equal parenting time to moms and dads, unless the arrangement would not be in the child’s best interests.

The two jurisdictions are among 20 states considering changes in child custody laws, the Wall Street Journal (sub, req.) reports. The proposed laws generally encourage judges to maximize time for each parent, the story says.

Supporters of equal-parenting laws say they will reduce conflict and legal bills associated with custody battles. They also cite studies showing children benefit when both parents are involved.

Opponents say the laws take away discretion needed to resolve the cases and give more power to abusive men in divorce battles.

http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/proposed_custody_laws_encourage_equal_parenting_time_for_dads_and_moms