Several organizations that address domestic violence, womens and childrens advocacy, civil rights and family law have formed a coalition to educate voters about the negative consequences of Measure 6 that will appear on the November ballot that amends North Dakotas laws on child custody and visitation rights.
Supporters of the coalition, called Keeping Kids First, are ND Council on Abused Womens Services (CAWS North Dakota), the North Dakota Women's Network (NDWN), Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota (PCAND), American Association of University Women (AAUW), the American Civil Liberties Union of North Dakota (ACLU), and the Family Law Section of the State Bar Association of North Dakota (SBAND).
"The measure imposes the presumption that shared parental custody is in the best interest of every child, regardless of individual circumstances," says coalition chair Paul Schauer. "We believe North Dakotas current law and mandatory mediation requirements put the best interest of the child ahead of the parents, where it should be."
The coalition believes the ballot initiative would require more court appearances by divorcing couples, and instead of encouraging cooperation will create more family conflict. "If there's one certainty," says Alisha Ankers, Chair of the Family Law Section of SBAND, "its that this ballot measure will lead to more litigation, more costs and more fees for lawyers. The only casualty will be children who supporters of this measure are claiming to protect."
For more information on Keeping Kids First, contact:
Paul Schauer, Chair
P.O. Box 2253
Bismarck, ND 58502
701-426-1875