Joint custody is a good option for many families of divorce, with the benefits for children of divorce enjoying good documentation through numerous studies done over the globe and through many decades.
But does that mean that it works perfectly for every family? Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for child custody after divorce. For some people, joint custody may not work well at all.
One parent cannot be present
Talking Parents takes a look into how joint custody itself works. It allows both parents to maintain relatively equal time in their child’s life, along with having shared legal custody. This means both parents can make important decisions about schooling, medical care, religion and more.
However, joint custody does not work for everyone. For example, both parents should have easy physical access to their child in order to reap the most benefits from joint custody. This is impossible if one parent will spend a lot of time away from their child and co-parent. This commonly happens with active duty service members, or with people facing incarceration.
One parent is struggling with addiction
Another situation that commonly discourages joint custody is when one parent is currently in rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. They simply cannot take care of a child in such a state.
One parent faces conviction
Also, if a parent faces charges for neglect, abuse or violent crime toward anyone, whether or not it is their child, they should be kept away from their child until the court case comes to a verdict.
In such situations, other options outside of joint custody are possible and encouraged.
