Bill to streamline child custody process headed to governor
Legislation aims to help courts and reduce stress on children stuck in middle of custody disputes
Rep. Liz Hanbidge June 26, 2025 | 3:33 PM
HARRISBURG, June 26 – Legislation introduced by state Reps. Liz Hanbidge and Tim Briggs, both D-Montgomery, that would clarify and streamline Pennsylvania’s overly complex child custody process today passed the Senate and will be sent to Gov. Josh Shapiro to be signed into law.
Child custody factors adopted in 2011 require judges to explain every aspect of their decision using 16 factors that have proven to be redundant and confusing during custody proceedings, according to the legislature’s Joint State Government Advisory Commission on Domestic Relations Law, which examined the issue and requested improvements to the process.
House Bill 378 would consolidate the number of factors considered in custody proceedings from 16 to 12, making the process more focused and efficient for judges, lawyers and litigants alike, while incorporating the changes to the factors created by Act 8 of 2024, also known as Kayden’s Law. Hanbidge said streamlining these custody determination factors will save both families and the courts time, reduce costs and alleviate some of the stress associated with custody cases.
The lawmakers stressed that while the factors are consolidated, the substance of them remain unchanged and the vital protections against child abuse put in place by Kayden’s Law are intact in the legislation.
“Being caught between fighting parents and sometimes grandparents is harmful to children, and the current 16-factor process has been proven to needlessly delay resolution in these cases because of redundancies and unclear language,” Hanbidge said. “This bill puts the focus where it belongs – on reaching timely, clear decisions that serve the best interests of Pennsylvania’s children.
“I am grateful for the work of all involved in refining and improving this legislation and hope that we can soon provide relief to courts, litigants, and most importantly, the children impacted by custody litigation,” she said. “I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”
Briggs is chairman of the House Judiciary Committee that examined the legislation before sending it to the full House for a vote.
“First and foremost, this legislation is about putting children first by making the custody process less complicated and more compassionate for everyone involved,” Briggs said. “By simplifying the factors judges must consider, the legislature is responding to the needs of families who deserve prompt resolutions to their cases and helping the courts focus on what truly matters – the well-being of the child. It’s a practical solution that reflects input from legal experts, judges and families who’ve experienced this process firsthand.”
House Bill 378 is in response to the Joint State Government Advisory Commission on Domestic Relations Law’s 2022 recommendation that suggests consolidating the number of factors from 16 to 12, while retaining the substance of current custody factors, to help Pennsylvania families by making the court process more efficient and less burdensome.
The bill passed the House 202-1 on May 6 and was unanimously approved by the Senate (50-0) today. It now goes to Shapiro for his signature.