Man who lost custody time urges commissioners to press for court reforms, case managers and a 50/50 presumption

At the July 24 meeting, Jake Lindsey used the public-comment period to urge Riley County commissioners to pursue reforms to local custody court procedures, calling the county’s typical outcome “every-other-weekend” custody and urging a move toward a 50/50 presumption plus case management to reduce conflict and repeated litigation.

Lindsey described his experience in Riley County family court and said outcomes were dependent on which judge presided. He quoted a judge’s remark from his case: “I’m an every other weekend judge. That’s what I’ve given. And I’ve never — I’ve never modified a parenting plan,” Lindsey said, adding that the county’s process lacked routine case management, custody evaluations or guardian ad litem involvement in most cases and that many fathers cannot afford extended litigation.

Lindsey asked the commissioners for guidance on next steps. Commissioners and county counsel discussed potential avenues: a legislative change at the state level, district-level judicial administrative rules, or administrative practices such as appointing case managers or using guardians ad litem more consistently.

Jacob Hansen, county counselor, told Lindsey that substantial changes to custody presumptions would likely require state-level action (law changes or judicial-district rulemaking) and noted local steps — such as enhancing mediation or funding case managers — could help immediately. Hansen said commissioners could place the issue on a legislative policy agenda and that administrative differences (mediation procedures, case-management availability) can vary by district.

Ending: The commissioners did not adopt policy at the meeting but discussed avenues for action. Counsel suggested the county consider both administrative steps (case management and mediation practice) and legislative outreach and to coordinate further with judicial-district officials and state lawmakers.