Aug 20, 2005 2 min read

My question to Fayette County citizens is simple: What is your opinion on the rights of a father? Is there anyone out there that has actually been prosecuted due to their failure to comply with Act 58 of 1997 that is best described as follows: The involvement of both parents in the lives of their children is an important issue. In the case of divorced or separated parents, the issues associated with custody and visitation, complicate this involvement. Issues involving custody are resolved solely by the Pennsylvania courts. The appeal process represents the proper forum to present arguments of why you believe the court may have acted improperly in making a determination in your case.

In December 1997, Gov. Tom Ridge signed into law Act 58 of 1997. This new law established penalties for noncompliance by a custodial parent with a partial custody or visitation order. The custodial parent who does not comply with an order of partial custody or visitation may be adjudged in contempt of court. Contempt is punishable by imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of $500, probation for a period not to exceed six months, and suspension, denial or non-renewal of driving privileges. The court may impose any one or all of these penalties.

Why, unlike the rest of this nation, are fathers so “parents of lesser status” here in Fayette County? I hear a support group in the making; my name will be the first on the list. Case study says that even the Supreme Court concurs to equal rights for the father just as much as the mother. Times have changed, fellow fathers. Your love should never be looked at as anything less.

C.R. Brangard Jr

Hopwood