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Points to consider about joint physical custody

We talked earlier about joint physical custody. As I indicated, joint physical custody is a good opportunity for both parents to stay actively involved with their children. More than ever, courts are guided by the best interests of the child when parents decide to divorce, and the best arrangements are often those where parents share in the raising of the children.

For any parent, child custody is of great concern, and we have a reputation for building strong custody cases for our clients. Sometimes that arrangement is joint physical custody. Take a look at what works with this kind of custody — and what does not:

When joint physical custody works:

• Parents cooperate, to accommodate flexible scheduling and the ongoing transfer of children between households.
• Information is freely shared.
• Parents are of a common mind, and decisions are relatively easily made.

When joint physical does not work:

• Parents do not get along, or bring anger and resentment into the custody arena.
• Information is not shared, or it is completely withheld from the other parent.
• There is no consistency or agreement between households, as to discipline, schedules and general parenting goals.

It only takes one parent to needlessly draw out a divorce, or to hinder an otherwise good custodial arrangement. If parents cannot work together, joint physical custody disrupts and disturbs life, and is not in the best interests of either parents or children. When joint physical custody has been established, and does not work, filing for modification of the original court order is necessary.