Oct. 29, 2025
HARRISBURG - Legislation by Rep. Craig Williams (R-Delaware/Chester) prohibiting permanent custody changes during a parent’s military deployment is now law. The measure, formerly House Bill 414 and now
Act 40 of 2025, the Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act, was signed on October 27 after passing unanimously in both the House (202-0) and Senate (48-0).
Act 40 fixes Pennsylvania child-custody law by preventing any permanent modification of custody or visitation orders while a parent is deployed. The law stops litigants from using the fact of deployment as a reason to alter existing custody arrangements.
“As a retired Marine Corps Colonel, I saw firsthand how deployments can complicate family life for those serving our nation,” said Williams. “This law ensures military parents are protected from unfair custody decisions during deployment and reaffirms that their service is a point of honor, rather than weaponizing that service as a means of harming the parent-child relationship.”
The new law also allows parents to delegate visitation rights during deployment and encourages continued communication between parents and children through modern means, such as video calls, when in-person contact is not possible.
The statute establishes a clear and fair process for military parents deploying on official orders. It allows temporary custody arrangements before deployment and reinstates the prior custody order upon the parent’s return. Courts may issue temporary orders permitting another family member with a close relationship to the child to provide care during the deployment. The law further directs courts not to treat a parent’s military service as a negative factor in custody decisions and authorizes electronic participation in hearings when military duties prevent appearing in person.
“This law protects the rights of Pennsylvania’s deployed service members to stay connected with their children,” said Williams. “Parents who serve their country should never lose custody or visitation simply because they answered the call to duty.”
The Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act reflects updated guidance from the Uniform Law Commission and makes Pennsylvania the 18th state to adopt the standard. The Pennsylvania Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers supported the legislation.
Williams is a retired Marine Corps Colonel, having served nearly 30 years in the service. He flew 56 combat missions in the F/A-18D during Desert Storm and was decorated for Valor in combat. After completing law school on active duty and becoming a judge advocate (military attorney), he served as the chief prosecutor for Camp Pendleton, CA; the Director of the Joint Legal Assistance Center at Camp Pendleton, CA; and Deputy Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In his final tour, Williams led all prosecutors in the Marine Corps Reserves.
Representative Craig Williams
160th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Will Patterson
267-688-2590
wpatterson@pahousegop.com
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