‘Good Dad Act’ would give unmarried Alabama fathers parental rights with mother’s approval
Alabama state Rep. Patrick Sellers, D-Pleasant Grove, has pre-filed a bill that would give “all rights and duties of a parent” to unmarried fathers who voluntarily acknowledge paternity.
According to the bill’s text, it would only apply if the mother of the child approves and would not apply in cases of domestic or family violence.
Sellers has named his bill “The Good Dad Act” and told ABC 33/40 that its purpose is to “give children the most wholesome environment possible.”
“Hopefully, this will prevent detrimental effects that arise when a child is raised by only one parent,” he said.
The bill would also prevent parents from taking a child out of Alabama without the permission of the other parent or the court.
And it would require a judge to consider joint custody and shared parenting time as the best option in cases involving child custody, visitation, or child support, unless later evidence show otherwise, according to its text.
Sellers’ bill is currently pending action in the House Committee on Judiciary.
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