When a couple with children must separate, they must arrange the new normal. This includes spousal support, child support, and child custody.
Parents may jump to the conclusion that splitting parenting duties down the middle is the closest agreement to how things were before the divorce, but any lawyer for family issues will tell you that that’s not exactly true.
50/50 parenting plans, also known as joint custody, involve each parent taking an equal, or roughly equal, duty in raising their kids. This often involves a child spending equal amounts of time with both parents. For example, they may go back and forth each week between the two households, or the parents may settle on six-month increments of visitation.
There are no set guidelines for a 50/50 parenting plan, so one parent may end up spending slightly more time if that’s what’s best for the child. Mediators, judges, and child custody attorneys in Ontario have been seeing an increase in families asking for joint custody plans.
Many parents are happier getting to see their children on a regular basis, and they may feel that their children benefit by having both parents involved in their lives.
A joint custody plan may seem like the fairest choice, but our law office has been helping couples decide visitation rights for two decades, so we know how these matters usually play out. Our law firm does not recommend a 50/50 parenting plan to couples who have a contentious relationship.
Joint custody requires a significant amount of compromise and communication from both parties. There will be some days where it might be better for the child to stay with one parent instead of making the scheduled switch. The child going back and forth may also forget something at the other parent’s house, such as their presentation for school. Couples with joint custody must prepare for late-night drives between houses when the child needs assistance.
Children do not always benefit from a 50/50 parenting plan. While children can always benefit from two loving and present parents, switching between houses may make them feel like they don’t have a true home. They may have trouble sleeping, or they may feel disorganized or chaotic switching between houses.
Please keep in mind that the most important part of deciding visitation rights is the child’s wellbeing. Parents should think of their children first when discussing these matters. Using The Law Office of Folmer Zimmerman to decide your custody agreement can ensure that you’re getting the best outcome possible for your family.
