JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WBMA) — A newly pre-filed a bill would give Alabama men who voluntarily acknowledge fathering a child without marriage all legal rights and duties of a parent.

State Representative Patrick Sellers of Pleasant Grove said "The Good Dad Act" would only apply in certain cases and only give those rights if the mother of the child approves.

"The main reason I'm coming with this bill is to give children the most wholesome environment possible given the situation and to give both parents equal time with the child. Hopefully, this will prevent detrimental effects that arise when a child is raised by only one parent." said Sellers.

Sellers pre-filed a another bill that would require a judge to consider that joint custody is the best option in divorce cases.

Under "The Good Dad Act," Sellers said cases involving child custody, visitation, or child support would require a judge to consider that joint custody and shared parenting time is the best option unless later evidence show otherwise.

Sellers said the act would also prevent parents from taking a child out of Alabama without the permission of the other parent or the court.

Sellers said "The Good Dad Act" would not apply in cases of domestic or family violence.