Many parents want to work out some form of joint custody during a divorce proceeding, for a number of reasons. Maybe you want joint custody out of fairness to your child, or maybe you feel it will be easier to get your parenting plan approved, and simply want to get the process of divorce over as soon as possible. Whatever your reasons may be, it is always wise to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the issue before you commit to a side.
Joint custody can often be the best scenario for both parents. It allows a child to continue to maintain a relationship with both parents despite a divorce, and can be an excellent way to share the burdens of parenting with the other parent. It is also generally easier to get a court to agree to a joint custody agreement.
However, there are some down sides to joint custody, as well. In the divorce process, you may find that agreeing on a plan for how to do joint custody with your spouse becomes a battlefield in itself, which must be navigated carefully. Also, the reality of sharing joint custody with another person can be exceptionally complex, because the child must constantly be transported back and forth between parents. Also, it will not necessarily be less expensive in the long run. If you both maintain joint custody, then you will both need to maintain a home for keeping the child, which can become expensive.
Whatever your situation may be, it deserves its own professional evaluation. Do not hesitate to seek out the guidance of an experienced attorney who understands both the nuances of the law and the practicalities of living with children after a divorce. With proper legal guidance, you can ensure that your rights and the rights of your child remain protected while keeping your child’s best interests at the heart of the matter.
Source: FindLaw, “The Various Types of Child Custody,” accessed March 09, 2017
