Why joint custody may be your best option

For all of these reasons and many more, you and your spouse may want to consider joint custody of your children after your divorce. Joint custody is quickly becoming the norm rather than the exception throughout the country, and for good reason.

Children’s benefits

Given that judges, family law attorneys, parents and child psychologists all believe that any custody arrangement must be in the best interests of the children, a new study reveals that children whose parents have joint custody of them benefit in the following ways:

  • They suffer considerably less depression, anxiety and stress after their parents’ divorce.
  • They maintain better grades at school.
  • They interact better with their peers.
  • They have less likelihood of turning to alcohol, tobacco or drugs.
  • They more easily maintain their vital extended family relationships.

Parents’ benefits

Joint custody likewise benefits you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse. Both of you have the opportunity to remain a significant part of your children’s lives, being there to love and guide them as they grow up. In addition, since the two of you will remain “tied” to each other at least until your children become adults, joint custody provides you the opportunity to work together cooperatively for your children’s benefit rather than constantly argue about the various terms of a court-imposed visitation schedule. Finally, from a purely self-interest perspective, joint custody gives you more time to establish and pursue your post-divorce life.