As divorcing Knoxville parents know, there are many things to take into consideration when going through the split. For example, deciding who will have primary custody of the children is usually at the top of the list. But did you know that joint custody may also be beneficial?
Divorce Magazine takes a look at the positive side of shared custody and lists out its benefits, of which there are quite a few. The balance of power is one primary benefit. In a situation where only one parent has primary custody, the other can feel left out, locked out of the child’s life, and may feel as though they’ve lost a significant amount of power in the parental dynamic comparatively. This can lead to raised tension, a reluctance to “carry one’s weight”, and other consequences that could negatively impact a child.
Additionally, it’s been shown in recent studies that children of joint custody have fewer emotional problems than children of divorce who have one primary custodial parent. Reportedly, the joint situation allows them to maintain enough contact with both parents to not feel alienated from either. Having this foundation can help them to avoid self-blame, excessive guilt, or anger. The minimization of conflict resulting from joint custody can also contribute to these positives.
This option won’t work for every family situation. However, if it works for yours, you may wish to consider giving it a more in-depth look. You could find that it suits your needs better than any option you’ve looked into so far.