Harp, Seth 29th

A BILL to be entitled an Act to provide for legislative findings; to amend Article 2 of Chapter 6 of Title 5 and Chapter 9 of Title 19 of the O.C.G.A., relating to appellate practice and child custody proceedings, respectively, so as to provide for changes in child custody proceedings; to provide for direct appeals in all domestic relations cases; to provide for a parenting plan in child custody cases and the procedure therefor; to provide factors in determining the best interests of the child; to provide for written findings of fact in child custody proceedings; to remove the right of a 14 year old to select a custodial parent; to provide for attorney´s fees and expenses of litigation in child custody proceedings; to provide for binding arbitration; to amend Code Section 19-7-22 of the O.C.G.A., relating to petition for legitimation of child, so as to correct a cross-reference; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

3/27/2007 Modified Structured Rule; 3/27/2007 Passed House by Rules Committee Substitute; 4/20/2007 Senate agreed to House amendment to Senate substitute; 4/20/2007 House agrees to Senate Substitute as Amended by House