By Tara N. Brewer
Special to DadsDivorce.com
A deployed soldier already has to deal with the stress of family separation. Possible changes in child custody and threats to fathers rights during deployment only compound the issue.
A new Pennsylvania bill protects the deployed soldier by stating that no changes in a child custody arrangement can occur with the child of an active-duty military servicemember, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The only exception in changing the child custody arrangement would be for the best interest of the child.
The new law indicates that a deployed soldier can petition the court for a temporary order to assign child custody rights to family members. Also, the law permits deployed parents to testify via phone, videoconference, or other electronic means if need be.