Enjoy Our Benefits

 Not a Member? Join Today
Skip Navigation LinksAUSA Home » Resources » AUSA Family Programs » Legislation for Army Families » Federal » 2010

Custody Rights for Deployed Troops' 

6/30/2010 

The Defense State Liaison Office has helped persuade 36 states to pass laws aimed at protecting Servicemembers’ custody rights while deployed. Rep. Michael Turner (R-OH) and Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-S.D.) have requested that more specific language be included regarding custody rights in the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, H.R. 4699, a federal law that gives troops special legal privileges not afforded civilians. Their bill has bipartisan support and was included in the annual defense authorization act by the House Armed Services Committee in May. Along with preventing state courts from using deployments against troops in custody disputes, the provision would also prohibit them from permanently altering custody orders during a parent’s deployment and would require pre-deployment custody to be reinstated unless that is not in the best interest of the child. To read this article in its entirety, please go to: http://www.stripes.com/debate-lingers-over-how-to-protect-deployed-troops-custody-rights-1.107072 or you may review the legislation, at: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d111:7:./temp/~bdqOXe::|/home/LegislativeData.php|