Dear Representative [Last name of your Representative]

Your letter should fit on one side of one page. It should begin with a statement that you support Fathers and Families, and a request that your Representative support House Bill 2101, “An Act Clarifying the Removal Statute.” You can then add any of the following points in your own language:

· Current law makes out-of-state moveaways by the custodial parent almost automatically granted;
· House Bill 2101 increases judicial discretion, allowing judges to weigh the pros and cons of a move;
· House Bill 2101 helps children to maintain a strong relationship with both parents;
· Tell your own story, BRIEFLY;
· House Bill 2101 is supported by research showing that most children do worse after a move away;
· House Bill 2101 does not alter child support arrangements;
· House Bill 2101 maintains all existing protections for battered spouses;
· House Bill 2101 does not establish any presumption for or against the move away.

After you have made brief arguments in favor of the bill, as above, you should close by thanking them for their time, consideration, attention, or other word of your choice. You should then write a closing, such as “Sincerely.”

Finally, you should sign your name, below which you should print your name and your address (so they know you live in their district).

Finally, send your letter to Fathers and Families, (not the Representative), at 20 Park Plaza, Suite 628, Boston MA 02116.