After married parents decide to end their relationship, one vital decision they face is determining child custody arrangements. Over the years, joint custody has become more prevalent among divorced parents. Joint child custody means both parents share the responsibility of raising their child. This arrangement emphasizes the involvement of both parents in their children’s lives. With joint legal custody, both parents have an equal say in major decisions regarding their child’s upbringing, such as healthcare, education, and religious upbringing. In joint physical custody, the child splits time between both parents’ homes. When parents share both legal and physical custody, it is called joint custody or joint legal and physical custody. In such a scenario, both parents are responsible for making major decisions regarding their child’s upbringing, and the child spends time with each parent. While joint custody has several potential benefits, it may present some challenges. Below, we discuss some of the pros and cons of joint custody.
Pros of Joint Custody
Splitting custody between parents after a divorce offers several benefits for both parents and children. The following are some of the pros of joint custody;
- Stability for the Child
When joint custody works out well, it provides a stable, peaceful living environment for the child. Joint custody allows children to maintain a strong bond with both parents, which is good for their psychological and emotional well-being. The presence of both parents makes children feel secure, reducing stress. - Shared Parental Responsibilities
Joint child custody allows both parents to remain actively involved in their children’s lives. Parents can share responsibilities, such as transportation, schooling, and extracurricular activities, which can prevent one parent from feeling overburdened. - Both Parents Maintain a Role in Raising Their Child
With joint physical custody, both parents spend time with their child. In the case of joint legal custody, the parents make decisions regarding their child’s upbringing, such as education, religion, and healthcare. - Reducing Hostility Between Parents
Although not always, shared child custody can reduce animosity between parents. When both parents are involved in making decisions regarding their child’s upbringing, it means they have to collaborate and ensure they make decisions that are in their child’s best interest. Joint custody can encourage communication between parents.
Cons of Joint Custody
The following are some of the challenges that joint custody can present;
- Challenges With Scheduling and Planning
One of the biggest potential challenges of joint custody is scheduling and planning. With joint custody, parents must coordinate their schedules to ensure they meet their child’s needs. Conflicting schedules can complicate arrangements, resulting in frustration and confusion. - Children Have To Keep Moving Between Two Homes
It may be difficult for some children to keep moving between two homes because of the constant packing and traveling. - Conflicts May Arise
While joint custody can encourage communication and cooperation, it can also worsen disagreements and conflicts. Shared custody can be difficult if parents have a contentious relationship. It may be difficult for parents to agree on major decisions.
Contact a New Jersey Family Law Attorney
If you are pursuing a divorce or trying to make child custody decisions, contact our New Jersey family law attorney at the Trabosh Law Firm to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.