This is only a imperfect summary. If you want the details, you must read the full document.
http://coolalien.com/fathers/heartsofthefathersApril202026.pdf
A summary, (the petition “The Hearts of the Fathers…”)
The document is a petition urging U.S. state and federal representatives to reform family court systems so that children have equal access to both parents and fathers are not financially or legally disadvantaged. It argues that current systems create widespread fatherlessness, which harms children and society, and proposes specific legal reforms to correct these issues.
Advocate for equal access to both parents for all children.
Encourage active fatherhood, which the petition states is often hindered by family court practices.
Reduce the number of one parent households, especially mother-only homes.
Parenthood is described as a fundamental, God-given right that should not be diminished by government or courts.
Current family court systems evidently:
Favor mothers as primary parents.
Restrict fathers’ access to their children.
Impose financial burdens that push fathers into poverty.
The petition cites Malachi 4:6 to argue that fatherlessness brings a “curse” on society.
15.3 million children live in mother-only homes (about 21% of U.S. children).
Children in one-parent homes experience:
Higher poverty rates
Higher incarceration rates
Worse outcomes across multiple measures
Fathers face:
Heavy child support burdens
Inability to afford housing suitable for visitation
Higher suicide rates after divorce (citing a 9:1 male-to-female ratio)
A Kentucky father earning $18/hour:
Ordered to pay $1,400/month in child support.
Left with $600 to $915/month after taxes and support payments.
Cannot afford housing or transportation.
Not eligible for food assistance because child support is not deducted from income for SNAP calculations.
The petition proposes eight major reforms:
Include a cost-of-living allowance in child support calculations so paying parents can afford housing and basic needs.
Split the Child Tax Credit fairly between both financially contributing parents.
Raise the evidentiary standard in family court from “preponderance of evidence” to “clear and convincing evidence”.
Apply the same higher standard to Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs) and Emergency Protective Orders (EPOs).
Prioritize restoring father-child relationships, similar to how courts facilitate reunification for mothers with past issues.
Prevent courts from acting as a “third parent” by limiting judicial interference in parenting decisions.
Ensure equal access to legal representation, even at state expense, because self-represented parents rarely succeed.
Make child support reductions automatic when a child reaches adulthood, instead of requiring a court motion.
The document ends with a signature page for supporters to sign, affirming:
Equal access to both parents
Reduction of one-parent homes
Removal of barriers that prevent fathers from being active parents