Joint child custody is one of the best arrangements that can be made between a couple when divorcing. Children who have both parents actively involved in them and their life usually fare much better during and after a divorce. When a couple chooses to do joint custody after a divorce, they are choosing to work together, rather than fighting over their child(ren). Now, it's not always the case that both parties voluntarily agree to joint custody, but if parents can choose to work together, rather than putting their children in the middle, it's best for everyone involved.
Joint child custody is where both parents have equal legal rights to their child(ren), full access to medical and school records, and they both spend as much time as possible with their child(ren). Although joint custody is pretty much equal as far as parental rights and responsibilities, usually one parent DOES have actual "physical" custody of the child. This is the case when the child spends more time at one house, actually lives in one home more, and goes to "visit" the other parent. This is usually done for school age children during the school year.
Among the benefits of joint child custody, there are numerous reasons why it's the practical option. Joint custody gives the parents a chance to "share" their child, and helps the child maintain strong parent-child bonds with BOTH parents, and it even gives each parent a much needed "break" when the child is staying with the other parent.
Keeping sanity and peacefulness after a divorce is of utmost importance, joint custody can help with this- providing neither parent uses the child(ren) in a way to get back at the other parent or uses their child(ren) as a way to manipulate, then joint custody really is best for all involved. Children are less likely to feel "abandoned" or "shuffled aside" when a joint custody agreement exists, because they still get quality time with both parents and this helps maintain good communication between parent and child.
It is, however, important to remember that joint child custody isn't for every family- there are sometimes extenuating circumstances which make joint custody a bad idea. If the other parent is struggling with some sort of addiction, is mentally unstable, abusive or violent, or he/she is irresponsible when it comes to parenting- then joint custody is NOT a good option.
Joint custody can, in the long-term provide the benefit of stronger bonds with both parents for the child, and can even help the parents to transition to their new family status as a divorced and single parent. And of course, joint custody can help encourage both parents to communicate and successfully co-parent their child(ren). If you and your ex-spouse are amicable, or at least can be civil, both are willing to communicate in a mature, effective manner, and you are both dedicated to the well-being of your child(ren), then joint custody is likely the right choice for your family.
Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about [http://youandyourchildsrelationship.info/benefits-of-joint-child-custody-share-your-children/]benefits of joint child custody, please visit [http://youandyourchildsrelationship.info/]You and Your Childs Relationship for current articles and discussions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wendy_Pan http://EzineArticles.com/?Benefits-of-Joint-Child-Custody---Share-Your-Children&id=1546212

Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar