Eighty percent of respondents to a new survey support a recently proposed Kansas law that encourages courts to give fit parents equal parenting time after divorce.

“There has been a strong push in a growing number of states to implement a more balanced child custody law leading to more equal parenting time after divorce,” said Justin Pike with the Kansas Chapter of the National Parents Organization. “In the beginning of the process of separating husband from wife, we’re working on preserving the family unit.”

Eighty-three percent of respondents think that separating parents should have equal parenting rights.

“From temporary orders to permanent orders, there should be some cohesion,” said Pike. “As of right now, the state law covering family law has not been significantly revised in 58 years.”

Eighty-seven percent believe it is in the best interests of the child to have as much time as possible with both fit parents in instances of divorce.

“Federal statistics say 63 percent of teen suicides come from a single parent household,” said Pike. “Seventy percent of juveniles in state operated institutions come from a single parent household. Seventy-one percent of high school dropouts have an alienated parent within their family unit.”

A hearing on Senate Bill 157 that would change the family law statute is scheduled for Thursday.