Going through a divorce can be a trying process for couples in California or elsewhere around the country. Countless decisions must be made regarding dividing financial accounts, determining who will continue to live in the family home or deciding who will keep other assets. However, for couples with children, the issue of child custody is of utmost concern. While still not the standard practice, shared parenting arrangements are beginning to be more frequently granted by courts in several states.
Statistics from the National Parents Organization recently showed that many courts set arrangements that heavily favor time with the residential parent. Traditionally, that parent is the mother; therefore, children in these situations do not get to spend as much time with their fathers. Another state reported that almost 75 percent of its county courts still followed this approach.
Most experts acknowledge that children who spend significant time with both parents perform better academically and socially. In addition, they have lower rates of school dropouts, substance abuse and incidents of incarceration. Despite this data, the issue of standard shared parenting arrangements is still widely debated. Critics of the idea often point to the fact that every situation is different and should be addressed as such, rather than automatically granting a 50-50 joint custody split.
Child custody is certainly an emotional topic and it is important to have a knowledgeable advocate on one’s side. When going through a divorce, a California attorney can provide guidance for regarding child custody issues and any others. An experienced lawyer will strive to obtain the best possible outcome in the proceedings.