Dear Senator/Assemblymember [Last Name],

I am writing to you as a constituent to respectfully urge your support and sponsorship of the California Equal Shared Parenting Act AB1978. This legislation seeks to establish a rebuttable presumption of equal shared parenting in custody cases where both parents are fit and reside within a reasonable distance of the school attended by the child.

The social science is increasingly clear: children thrive when they have meaningful, consistent access to both parents. By moving toward a default of equal time, California can:

• Reduce Litigation: Lower the "winner-take-all" incentive that fuels high-conflict custody battles.
• Protect Child Well-being: Ensure children maintain strong emotional bonds with both caregivers.
• Preserve Judicial Discretion: The "rebuttable" nature of the presumption ensures that courts retain the power to protect children in cases involving abuse, neglect, or other exceptional circumstances.

It is time for the family code in California to reflect the reality that equal parenting is, in the vast majority of cases, in the best interest of the child.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this proposal with you or your legislative staff via Zoom. I respectfully request a brief 15 to 30 minute meeting at your convenience. Thank you for your time and for your service to our district.