When couples with children divorce or separate, one of the most challenging decisions they face is determining the custody arrangement for their children. Joint physical custody, where children live with both parents for roughly equal amounts of time, is becoming increasingly common as courts and parents recognize its potential benefits. However, like all custody arrangements, joint physical custody has both advantages and disadvantages. Below, we explore the pros and cons of this arrangement.

Pros of Joint Physical Custody

1. Promotes Strong Relationships with Both Parents: This arrangement provides children with significant time with both parents, fostering strong bonds and ensuring that both parents remain active and influential in their children's lives.

2. Encourages Cooperative Parenting: When parents share physical custody, they must communicate and collaborate more frequently, which can lead to improved co-parenting relationships.

3. Shared Parental Responsibilities: The day-to-day burdens and joys of parenting are divided more equitably, reducing the chance of one parent feeling overwhelmed.

4. Reduces Feelings of Loss: Children often experience feelings of loss after a divorce. Spending ample time with both parents can alleviate these feelings, providing a sense of stability and continuity.

5. Potential for Better Emotional and Psychological Outcomes: Some studies suggest that children in joint physical custody arrangements fare better emotionally and psychologically compared to those in sole custody arrangements.

Cons of Joint Physical Custody

1. Logistical Complications: Shuffling children between two homes can be logistically challenging, particularly if parents live far apart or have differing schedules. Joint custody arrangements require much more frequent exchanges between the parties, which can create greater burdens on the parties and the children.

2. Potential for Inconsistency: Maintaining consistent rules, routines, and expectations in two separate households can be difficult. This inconsistency can be confusing or stressful for children, especially when they are subjected to different rules or routines in those separate households on a near daily basis.

3. Requires Effective Communication: Joint physical custody demands effective communication between parents. If the relationship is contentious, this can be difficult to achieve, which can negatively impact the children.

4. Possible Strain on Children: Continuously transitioning between homes can be exhausting and stressful for some children, causing feelings of instability or upheaval. This is compounded in cases where the children are subjected to a contentious relationship between the parents.

5. Economic Challenges: Maintaining two homes that accommodate children can be more expensive than a single home. This can strain the financial resources of both parents.

Conclusion

Joint physical custody can be a beneficial arrangement for many families, promoting strong relationships with both parents and encouraging collaborative parenting. However, it's essential to consider the potential challenges, such as logistical complications and the need for effective communication. While joint physical custody arrangements are becoming more common and more accepted by some courts, these arrangements are still met with skepticism in many cases where there are concerns about the logistics of a joint custody plan or where the parties have a hard time communicating or cooperating. Before deciding on a joint physical custody arrangement, parents should evaluate their individual circumstances and consult with legal professionals to determine what is best for their child.

If you have questions about whether a joint custody arrangement would be a good fit for your family or are considering pursuing such an arrangement in a divorce or custody action, Resurgens Legal Counsel is here to help. Schedule a consultation today by calling us at (770) 765-7550 or through our Contact page.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It's always best to consult with a qualified legal professional regarding your specific circumstances.