A new law proposed in Wisconsin would keep all communication between parents and teachers from being used in child custody cases, the Superior Telegram reports.

Written and verbal communications between a parent and a child’s teacher would no longer be permissible in court during custody battles, which will hopefully lead to a trusting relationship between teachers and parents, according to Jim Steineke, the Kaukauna Republican behind the bill. The only exception would be in cases regarding neglect or abuse.

Parents aren’t the only ones who will feel safer to communicate under this proposed legislation. Teachers will also be more free to communicate without fear of getting dragged into court over something they had discussed with a parent.

Some in the state argue that the bill may not even be necessary, stating that teachers are often not particularly useful in custody cases.

According to the New Jersey State Bar Foundation, educators must often act like mental health professionals. It is important that teachers understand the emotional impact divorce has on children. Teachers must also be able to recognize symptoms in students indicating their families are changing.

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