When a divorcing couple has children, the questions about how and where they will be raised are of utmost concern. In fact, the topic of child custody can become a highly charged issue in divorce deliberations. While the situation is personal and unique to every relationship, the issue has become a hot topic in California and other states across the nation. There is a push among several states to make major changes to current custody laws.
One of the recommendations involves shared parenting, where both parents have a relatively equal hand in the day-to-day upbringing of their children. In the past, children lived primarily with one parent, while spending every other weekend and some holidays with the other. However, child experts acknowledge the importance of children having both parents involved actively in their lives.
Studies show that education is likely to suffer when only one parent is available. The custodial parent is often consumed with raising the child as well as providing for family needs, and may not have time to stress the importance of education. Statistics show that over 70 percent of dropouts at the high school level are from homes with single parents. Students with both parents involved have higher grades and lower dropout rates.
Studies show that shared parenting improves education as well as reduces truancy and gang involvement. Decreases have been noted in substance abuse, bullying and other trouble with the law. It is important for the states considering legislation for shared parenting to not force one solution on every family.
Child custody is one of many issues to address when going through a California divorce. An experienced divorce attorney can make sure that all aspects of a divorce are thoroughly addressed. A legal team will work toward a favorable result in the divorce process.
Source: marylandreporter.com, “Shared parenting brightens the lives of children of divorce“, Ned Holstein, M.D., Jan. 18, 2018
