|
Joint Physical Custody
The benefit of joint physical custody is that both parents remain active and
involved in the child's life.
This benefit is great. Still, there may be drawbacks to joint physical custody.
-
Stress and anxiety. Judith Wallerstein's study of joint custody described in her book
"Second Chances" found joint custody not to be any better than sole
custody. The disruptive effect of having of two different households, different
bedtimes, different TV rules, different sets of friends, and
so on, was too much for the children. They felt anxious and
insecure.
-
Risk of rejection. If a parent pulls out of joint custody, it
is perceived as a stunning rejection of the child.
-
Risk for Child. Joint custody can actually lock a child into a
destructive relationship with a violent or inadequate parent.
-
Involuntary Joint Custody. Court-ordered (that is involuntary)
joint custody apparently does
not
work well, according to a very
preliminary study cited in Wallerstein's "Second Chances." The
parents tended to fight bitterly, to the child's detriment.
The right answer will be different for each situation, depending on
the parent's interests in parenting, abilities, financial situations,
geographic location, ability to speak to the other parent, and so on.
But the overall goal both parents should have is to ensure the
loving, caring presence of both parents.
Email this page on to a friend.
Disclaimer: We are not giving legal advice. No warranties. We disclaim all legal liability. More...
| 
