You never thought your life would be like this– surrounded by broken pieces of what was once a family. You love your children but having ‘mom’ and ‘dad’ together is no longer an option. Not only do you carry the stress of your personal story not going the way you thought it would—but you’re also worried about how this will affect your children.
Custody issues are among the most stressful aspects of the divorce process. Historically, family courts have readily granted one parent more custody time than the other. Standard custody agreements currently incorporate the “every other weekend” method. But is this really the best arrangement for custody rulings?
Proposed new law
A new state law is currently the center of discussion among family lawmakers. It would change the current standard custody arrangement. The new law would incorporate a co-parenting method that is flexible but geared towards equal involvement and access for children and parents. The debate for change continues to raise questions concerning which approach is genuinely best for children.
Two-parent benefits
Supporters of revising custody laws have found support through a recent study. Researchers looked at the stress response of kids in a one-parent home compared to those who shared equal access to both parents in a co-parenting environment. When both parents shared access and care, kids reported fewer symptoms of mind-body stress responses (e.g., trouble sleeping, lack of focus, not eating, sadness and tension).
Children with equal access to both households are more likely to have an increase in financial and social resources available to them. Supporters of co-parenting arrangements argue that alienating the child from the other parent only hinders the access of love and connection for the child in most cases.
Best interest of the child
The best interest of the child practices is at the center of consideration for making these types of legal changes. However, each custody case is unique, and factors may cause it to be more beneficial for a child to be solely with one parent. Discussing these matters with a legal professional may help you choose your options and discuss all the aspects related to your custody wishes.
