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Armbruster Amends Paternal Rights Bill To Assist Constituent

State Senator Jeffry Armbruster (R-North Ridgeville), left center, joined Stephen and Lindy Shockley, right, and his legislative aide Katie Kuhns.

In response to a constituent case in which a Fairfield County father had not been able to see his son for more than two years State Senator Jeffry Armbruster (R - North Ridgeville) earned Senate approval for an amendment to House Bill 136 that will expand paternal rights in Ohio.

Armbruster’s amendment responds to the case of Stephen Shockley of Fairfield County who has been involved in lengthy and expensive court proceedings and appeals with the mother of his son over both genetic testing and visitation. Mr. Shockley was unable to obtain custody for such a long period of time due to the uncertainty surrounding his rights under current law to request that his child be genetically tested to determine himself as the child’s biological father.

The amendment will allow Ohio courts, in these situations, to award temporary custody to a putative, or presumptive, father while he awaits genetic testing results. The amendment also permits a putative father to access Title IV-D services offered by local Child Support Enforcement Agencies, which allow parents to request state assistance in determining parentage and establishing custody.

“For over two years we have been working through my office to navigate the complicated child custody process in Ohio and for two years a man has been unable to spend time with his young son due to this confusion,” Armbruster said. “I am pleased that through the amendment to this important legislation, we can add some clarity to the process and prevent this from happening to other fathers in Ohio.”

Senator Armbruster offered his amendment as part of House Bill 136, legislation sponsored by Representative Mike Gilb (R-Findlay) that would clarify paternity rights and child support arrearages. Having received committee and unanimous Senate approval, the measure will now be sent to the House of Representatives for concurrence.

Photo: State Senator Jeffry Armbruster (R-North Ridgeville), left center, joined Stephen and Lindy Shockley, right, and his legislative aide Katie Kuhns after earning unanimous Senate approval for House Bill 136. Mr. Shockley has worked with Senator Armbruster for the past two years for an amendment to Ohio law that will expand paternal rights.