The Pros And Cons Of Shared Custody

In Florida, there is a presumption under the law that 50/50 custody is in the best interests of the children. A divorcee must present evidence at trial that the 50/50 timesharing schedule isn’t in the best interests of the children. The court will default on shared custody. So, as a parent, it’s best to get used to the idea of sharing custody with your former spouse.

Custody is defined as the right to be physically present in your child’s life and make important decisions on their behalf. The decisions include where they go to school, their healthcare decisions, and their religious upbringing. Legal custody involves the ability to make decisions on your child’s behalf.

However, it’s important to understand what shared custody is and how it will work for you before you commit to a shared custody arrangement. In this article, the Orlando divorce lawyers at Greater Orlando Family Law will discuss the pros and cons of shared custody.

No “one size fits all” answer

There is no one-size-fits-all plan when it comes to shared custody in Florida divorce cases. Shared custody does not necessarily always mean a 50/50 timesharing arrangement. Instead, shared custody simply means that both parents have access to the children and can make key decisions on their behalf. In some cases, parents will spend an equal or almost equal amount of time with their children. In other cases, one parent may spend considerably more time with the children than the other parent.

Two benefits of shared custody arrangements 

• Preserving the status quo – To the extent that you can, having both parents play an active role in the children’s lives is best for the children. The courts are very serious about maintaining sameness in the children’s lives to the extent that is possible. The children get to see both parents and so their well-being is enhanced.

• Sharing time and resources – In a sole custody arrangement, all of the burden of raising the children falls on one parent. When two parents can work together to raise their children—even if they’re no longer involved romantically—it takes some of the burden off of both parents.

Potential drawbacks of shared custody arrangements 

• Increased bickering over the best interests of the children – If you and your ex can barely agree on anything, then shared custody is going to be a difficult prospect for you. The two parents may have different values when it comes to raising their children. This can also present a roadblock.

• Navigating everyone’s schedules – A timesharing schedule might be good in principle but what happens if there is a disruption to someone’s routine? Then the schedule needs to be changed. Someone in a sole custody arrangement wouldn’t face that hurdle.

Talk to an Orlando Family Law Attorney Today 

Greater Orlando Family Law represents the interests of Orlando residents who are pursuing a divorce or attempting to hammer out a custody arrangement. Call our Orlando family lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your goals right away.