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Photo of Professionals at McCoy Fatula, APC

Shared parenting laws being considered for child custody cases

On Behalf of | Mar 19, 2018 | Child Custody

Traditionally, when a couple with children got a divorce in California or elsewhere around the country, some type of joint visitation arrangement was established between the mother and father. However, these child custody arrangements usually leaned heavily in the mother’s favor. Fathers were often left to see their children only every other weekend and holiday, and perhaps one additional day during the week. Recently, many states have either passed or are considering legislation that promotes a shared parenting approach.

Shared parenting is essentially a more evenly balanced custody arrangement between the former spouses. In these situations, children spend a roughly equal amount of time with each parent. Numerous studies have indicated that children are more successful in a variety of indicators when both parents are actively involved in their lives.

Legislators in another state are considering laws that will grant a 50/50 division of parenting time when child custody is being determined. Currently, the laws in that state define a custodial parent with whom the children live, and another parent is awarded visitation rights. Unfortunately, some custodial parents create roadblocks to regular visitations with the other spouse. This state and others want to make shared parenting the norm rather than an exception for the benefit of the children involved in a divorce situation.

California couples who are going through a divorce have a plethora of issues to address. If the couple has children, topping the list of issues would certainly be child custody. A respected divorce attorney will ensure that the best interests of the children are taken into account. A strong legal team will seek the best outcome for their clients in the divorce proceedings.

Source: kgwn.com, “Custody in the Best Interest of the Children“, Danielle Seat, March 5, 2018

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