Barring circumstances involving such things as abuse or mental illness, experts agree that kids are happier and healthier when they can maintain and build on relationships with both parents after a divorce. This is a leap from decades past when the widely held belief was that children should have one home with a primary caretaker, often the mother.
Nowadays, many believe that children benefit from joint custody, which requires that children be able to spend time with both parents for significant periods. It boils down to commonsense, really, because when it comes to parenting, two heads are often better than one in addressing the issues that arise when raising kids.
Health also plays a role. A 2007 study finds that children who live with both parents at least 35% of the time are less depressed and have fewer overall stress-related health problems than kids who live with only one parent.
Despite the benefits, a Pew research study reveals that currently just over 20% of non-custodial dads see their kids more than once a week. It may be a matter of the court favoring the mother over the father because she is the primary caregiver or, in some cases, the dad prefers a limited role. Whatever the reason, emerging data showing that kids flourish when both parents play an active role has courts considering shared custody arrangements more than ever before.
If you have questions or concerns regarding your child custody and visitation arrangements, contact the Law Offices of Ronald L. Bell PC for help today. We represent clients in matters of divorce, child custody and support, spousal maintenance, marital property division and other family law matters. Contact us today for assistance at 847-495-6000.