All About Equal Shared Parenting

Marriage is one of the most important decisions in life. According to the recent census, you might be surprised to know that around 39% of marriages in the United States ended up with divorce. There might be several reasons for which the couple decides to quit their relationship. In any case, the consequences of the parents’ separation make the life of the child challenging. Whether they are young children, grade school children, or teenagers, parents’ separation can adversely affect them psychologically.

Why Is Shared Parenting A Good Option?

When children spend only limited time with their non-resident parents, it is not considered shared parenting. Equal shared parenting is often referred to as a childhood-long parenting plan to fulfill the child’s emotional, physical, and scholastic needs. Epidemiological studies conclude that children with both parents are more socially active than children having primary parent arrangements. Custody litigation becomes a reason of concern here as the court wants to protect the best interest of the child.

How May It Benefit The Parents?

Before, the court usually granted custody to the mother of the child but the father’s right movement led to a great revolution in the legislature. To solve the issues of children’s rights, it is believed that shared parenting will benefit the child in boosting their confidence. Both parents can enjoy spending their time with the child. They are provided with the opportunity to equally contribute to the bringing up of a child with financial assistance, fulfillment of child care responsibilities, completion of housework, educational assistance,and others. An experienced lawyer like Fiona Shakleton may help you in this.

How Will The Child Be Benefited?

With equal shared parenting, the child can relish a meaningful relationship. The child is protected from physical and mental stress and is not exposed to abuse, negligence, and violence. Both parents can equally contribute to their career development. Children can boost their self-esteem and perform better in academics. 

Importance of Shared Parenting

  • Generally, the court doesn’t allow shared parenting if a parent is involved in case of parental child abuse. In the United States and Canada, shared parenting promoting bills are already introduced.
  • The parents can decide how they will share the responsibilities. Each parent will look after their child by making decisions together that will favor the child’s good future. They will have to come to an agreement.
  • Sometimes, major long-term issues become a subject of conflict, and parents have to run to the family court. The major long-term issues include name, religion, cultural upbringing, health, and child living arrangements.
  • The court has the authority to divide the parental responsibilities. The court may grant more commitment to one parent. The parent having sole parental responsibility doesn’t need to consult with their former partner to make a decision.
  • Parent’s disagreement on the particular decision may turn into conflict. They can take assistance from family dispute resolution services to solve the issue. Still, if problems are not resolved, then they can move to court. Court will further settle the conflict.

Conclusion

The child may get affected by the parent’s temperament and genetic factors. Children who live with only one parent are more stressed with life. Therefore, to ensure the well-being of the child, the court directs equal shared parenting. According to Stockholm University’s demographic unit study, living with both parents does not lead to instability, and children are adapted to the housing situation.