Utah Fathers Could Get More Power in Child Custody Battles

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) -

A Utah bill could shake up and change the way child custody cases are handled for battling families.

S.B. 277 would establish a task force.  It would analyze custody cases across the nation and adopt the best national standards for Utah.  Many people say it would take some power away from mothers and give it to fathers.

"I am an excellent father and think my boys need to be in my life more.  I need to have them in my life more," Eric Durtschi's wife left almost two years ago and moved to Colorado with his three boys.

He says a Utah judge will only let him see his boys every other holiday and half of the summer.

In 2008, more than a 1,048 custody and support cases were filed Utah district courts.

The system "tends to favor more the women.  I don't always find that fair, but life isn't always fair," said Durtschi.

Many Utah lawmakers are ready to make a change with the task force.

The advocacy group known as the "Coalition for Parental Rights" is concerned.

It says this task force is bad because it means more joint custody decisions in Utah.  "Altogether they (children) may have clothes at both homes, but emotionally they are suitcase children," said spokesperson Lynne Skowronski.

She says suitcase children can end with develop attachment disorders.

Eric says he just wants to see his boys.  "I'm very pleased with the decision because ultimately what we all want I hope is what's best for the children and the task force is designed for that," said Eric Durtschi.  "Some cases it may be the father. Some cases it may be the mother.  Some cases it may be shared," he continued.

Ultimately, Eric thinks the potential findings of this task force will help give him more leverage in court.  "I definitely want more time with them and I feel like my boys need more time with me," he said.

S.B. Is on its way to the house and senate floors.  It could pass both in 8 days before going to the governor's desk for his signature.