Photo of Professionals at McCoy Fatula, APC
Photo of Professionals at McCoy Fatula, APC

Another state passes child custody law promoting shared parenting

On Behalf of | Jul 20, 2018 | Child Custody

When a couple decides to get a divorce in California or elsewhere around the country, there are dozens of issues to address. While property division may seem to be of utmost importance, couples with children have crucial decisions to make. Child custody determinations can often create conflicts among the parting spouses. Another state has recently passed a law regarding shared parenting that may prompt other states to examine their custody practices.

Traditionally, courts tended to side with mothers in matters of child custody. Children were most likely to live the majority of the time with their mothers. Fathers were often awarded visitation on weekends and some holidays. However, experts have been vocal in their assertions that children who spend consistent time with both parents fare better in every aspect of life.

Kentucky is the first state to pass a law that establishes shared parenting as the norm in divorce situations. The law, passed on July 14, grants equal time for both parents when temporary custody orders are determined. Parents may also petition the court for visitation if they had been denied time in prior cases. Certainly, if any violence or abuse has occurred, the automatic granting of shared parenting would not apply.

While other states may not have specific shared parenting laws of this type currently, the question of child custody is still paramount to divorcing parents. To adequately address this issue and all others during the process, it would be advantageous to seek the advice of a California divorce lawyer. An experienced attorney will provide guidance to their clients throughout the entire divorce proceedings.

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