J. TIMOTHY SMITH, P.C.
Attorney-at-Law
1678 Highway 31 South, Suite AA
Hoover, Alabama 35216

TELEPHONE:(205) 823-1650	May 11,1999	     TELEFAX:(205) 823-1065

TO:	MEMBERS OF ACCESS AND VISITATION COMMITTEE

Re:	Subcommittee's Recommendation on Language Change in Domestic Relations

Dear Committee Members:

Please accept this letter as my report to the Committee on the Subcommittee's recommended changes to language in domestic decrees and post-divorce decrees. Most of the language contained in this letter mirrors that language submitted by the U.S. Commission on Child and Congress and Family Welfare (1996 - Report to the President).

With regard to visitation, we recommend that the term "visitation" be deleted wherever it occurs, and replaced with something similar to the following language: "The parties shall share in the parenting of their children as follows: "The mother shall have the following parenting time.... and the father shall have the following parenting time....

With regard to child support, the Subcommittee recommends that the term "child support,' be deleted wherever it occurs, and replaced with "financial support for the minor child(ren)". We further suggest language such as, "The court expects both parents to be involved in the emotional and financial support of their minor child(ren). As part of the financial support, the father or mother shall pay to the other party financial support for the minor child in the amount of...."

The Committee's last recommendation is that the terms "Plaintiff/Defendant" and/or "Wife/Husband" be deleted wherever they occur, and replaced with "Father/Mother".

Should you have any questions regarding these issues, please feel free to contact me.

		Very truly yours,

		J. Timothy Smith

JTS/lg

Cc:	Mr. James Blackston	Richard Weiss, Ph.D.
	Mr. Scott Hoyem		Mr. Bob Maddox
	Ms. Peg Walker		Mr. Frank G. Hicks

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