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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Daylin Leach |
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House advances Leach bill that would allow sibling visitation rights
HARRISBURG, Nov. 20 – The House of Representatives today passed a bill introduced by state Rep. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery, that would allow siblings to maintain contact with each other following the divorce or death of their parents.
Leach said that current law does not provide standing for siblings who want visitation with each other following a divorce, separation or death of a parent or a court order that results in the siblings’ separation from one another.
“Children whose parents divorce, or worse yet are deceased, already have their lives in an upheaval and usually are experiencing fear and traumatic emotions,” Leach said. “Not allowing siblings a mechanism by which they can remain in contact and rely on each other for emotional support is simply wrong. My bill would allow for reasonable and continuing contact of siblings in these circumstances, and clarifies the law so the court can interpret it in the best interest of the children.”
Leach said the Pennsylvania Supreme Court indicated in a 1996 decision, in which he represented a child seeking visitation with her half sisters, that there is no statutory authority for a sibling to have standing to seek court-ordered visitation with a minor sibling.
The court recommended that the General Assembly examine this area of the law,
Leach said, to consider if a sibling should have a legal interest to pursue
visitation.
“I believe my proposal addresses an important deficiency in family law, recognizes the importance of sibling bonds and carefully balances the interests of all parties,” Leach said. “I thank my colleagues for their recognition of the importance of this legislation and support.”
The bill (H.B. 0895) now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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CONTACT: Ann Collis |