AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 13 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Frank Cooke and 1 co-sponsor

HB 434 aims to update Delaware’s custody laws by restructuring standards and procedures for parenting time and custody decisions in family court.

Introduced and Assigned to Judiciary Committee in House

Summary of HB 434 (Session 153, Delaware)

Purpose and intent

HB 434 seeks to amend Title 13 of the Delaware Code related to custody proceedings. The bill is designed to modify procedures, standards, or protections governing child custody and related family court decisions. The exact policy goals are not detailed in the provided information, but the bill’s focus is clearly on restructuring aspects of custody litigation and outcomes within Delaware family court processes.

Key provisions and changes (as introduced)

The bill amends Title 13, the chapter governing family matters, specifically targeting custody proceedings. While the precise statutory changes are not enumerated in the summary provided, typical amendments in this area may address:

Standards for determining custody (e.g., best interests of the child, factors to be considered).
Procedures for filing, hearings, and evidentiary rules in custody cases.
Rights and responsibilities of parents, guardians, or custodians.
Tools or mechanisms for dispute resolution, modification, or enforcement of custody orders.
Allocation of parenting time, visitation schedules, or child support integration where relevant.
Protections for domestic violence, child safety, or risk assessments in custody determinations.

The bill’s title indicates an overarching aim to update or clarify the statutory framework governing custody, potentially affecting how judges evaluate custody disputes and decide on parenting arrangements.

Who would be affected

Parties involved in custody proceedings in Delaware family court, including:

Parents, guardians, or other caregivers seeking custody or parenting time.
Attorney practitioners representing parties in custody matters.
Courts and judges who preside over custody hearings and issue custody orders.
Child welfare considerations and related professionals if the changes touch safety or risk assessment standards.

The impact could also extend to agencies or entities involved in enforcement of custody orders if new provisions alter enforcement mechanisms or timelines.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The action history shows the bill was introduced and assigned to the Judiciary Committee in the House on May 21, 2026.

As of the provided information, committee assignment indicates the bill will undergo review, potential amendment, and consideration for passage within the House. Subsequent steps (e.g., committee votes, floor debates, potential Senate passage, and any enacted law) are not detailed in the excerpt.

If enacted, the effective date and any transition provisions (e.g., phased implementation, applicability to pending cases) would be specified in the final text of the bill or related act.

Additional notes

Co-sponsor: Kerri Harris

The summary does not include the full text of the proposed amendments, so precise changes to statutory language, factors, definitions, or enforcement mechanisms cannot be enumerated here.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary further once the bill’s full text and specific sections are available, or provide a comparison with current Delaware custody provisions to highlight the exact changes.