A possible downside of 50/50 child custody

by | Jun 18, 2015 | Child Custody, Firm News |

When it comes to creating co-parenting plans and child custody agreements, parents have several options to choose from in Connecticut. One of these options is a 50-50 custody agreement, which means both parents enjoy an equal amount of time parenting their children. When it works, this can be an ideal arrangement for both the children and the parents, but sometimes things do not work out the way parents want them to.

You might be wondering what possible downside can be associated with equal parenting time. The issue is not the 50-50 arrangement, but the conflict that can arise over establishing such an agreement. Even though it is what parents want, it is nearly impossible to create a 50-50 schedule that agrees with both parents. In fact, it can create a lot of conflict post-divorce as parents struggle to work out and adhere to parenting schedules. In turn, this can have a negative impact on the children who have already suffered the trauma of divorce.

In the end, it could perhaps be better to work on equitable parenting time rather than splitting the agreement precisely in half. Some of the advantages of such a decision include:

— Meaningful time spent with the children– Minimizing stress on parents and the children– Eliminating harmful disagreements between parents– Improving the overall relationship with the kids and the ex– Cultivating a positive sense of sharing between parents

It can feel like parents are letting go of their kids when they do not fight for equal time, but this is not the case. Instead, parents can make the most of the time they do have when they find an agreement that truly meets the best interests of the children.

Working with a family law attorney can help parents choose a parenting and custody plan that meets the needs of the entire family.

Source: Woman’s Divorce, “Considering 50/50 Custody?,” Gary Direnfeld, accessed June 18, 2015

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