Several state organizations that deal with domestic violence, women’s and children’s advocacy, and family law have formed a coalition to educate voters on the negative consequences of a measure on the November ballot that amends North Dakota’s laws on child custody rights. Members of the coalition, called Keeping Kids First, are the North Dakota Council on Abused Women’s Services, North Dakota Wom
en’s Network, Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota, American Association of University Women, the American Civil Liberties Union North Dakota, and the Family Law Section of the State Bar Association of North Dakota. The measure imposes the presumption that shared parental custody is in the best interest of every child, regardless of individual circumstances. We believe North Dakota’s current law and mandatory mediation requirements put the best interest of the child ahead of the desires of the parents. The coalition believes the ballot initiative would require more court appearances by divorcing couples and instead of encouraging cooperation, will create more family conflict. The one certainty is that this ballot measure will lead to more litigation, more costs and more fees for lawyers. If Measure 6 passes, the only casualty will be children who supporters of this measure are claiming to protect. Keeping Kids First Committee
Paul Schauer, Chair
