The Pros and Cons of Shared Child Custody: What You Need To Know Before Making a Decision

The Pros and Cons of Shared Child Custody: What You Need To Know Before Making a Decision

Deciding on child custody matters is the most difficult part of many divorce cases. All good parents want to support their children as their families go through such major transitions, but not all agree on what’s best for them. 

Shared custody may seem like the ideal solution to maintain parent-child relationships, but several factors must be considered. Title 63 of the South Carolina Children’s Code covers the laws and factors the court must consider when deciding the best custody arrangement for a child.

As such, while parents may have their own needs and ideals, the court is ultimately concerned with the best interests of the children. 

Understanding Shared Custody

The term “shared custody” most often refers to a form of joint physical custody. In such an arrangement, a child will spend time living with both of their parents. Each parent typically has equal (or nearly equal) parenting time under this type of plan. 

This arrangement is beneficial if the parties get along and live close to each other. That way, the child can spend ample time with both parents, maintaining a close relationship with each one.

It’s important to note that shared custody arrangements are rare. In most cases, the parties share joint custody (which can include physical and legal custody). The child will stay with each parent, but not necessarily on a 50/50 basis. For example, they may spend the school week with one parent and the weekend with the other.

The Pros and Cons of Shared Custody

For shared custody to work, both parents must be willing to work together, remain amicable, and obey the custody agreement. While that isn’t always an easy task, it is necessary if parents are going to continue to make decisions together. 

The Pros of Shared Custody

Shared custody can, in fact, be the best decision for all involved when it works. 

Some of the advantages of shared custody include the following:

  • The child spends time with each of their parents on a predictable schedule
  • Both parents get to be involved in their child’s daily life
  • Both parents still have a partner to discuss difficult decisions with, which may result in better parenting
  • The child is given a positive example of maturity and cooperation
  • Parents can share day-to-day responsibilities, and no one has to carry the heavier load

Shared custody can make things easier for children who are used to having two parents to guide them. Additionally, seeing their parents sharing the joys and responsibilities of child-rearing affirms that they still have two parents they can count on. 

The Cons of Shared Custody

Some of the cons of shared custody are as follows:

  • It requires a lot of communication, coordination, and scheduling
  • Parents must be willing and able to compromise when scheduling issues arise
  • People who are divorced can have a difficult time reaching decisions together
  • Having two homes can be emotionally and physically exhausting for some children

As such, if parents are struggling to get along, shared custody may not be what’s actually best for their children. Additionally, spending 50% of their time at each parent’s residence can become burdensome for both the parents and the child. The child may lack continuity under this type of arrangement, leading to issues down the line. 

Create a Parenting Plan To Ease Custody Issues

Many couples delay their divorce proceedings out of concern regarding the impact their separation will have on their children. Making a parenting plan before the split can help lessen the impact and make the transition smoother for the entire family. 

A parenting plan is a written agreement that provides a roadmap for navigating through issues such as healthcare, education, and living arrangements. It isn’t carved in stone, and the court may not approve it, but it can help parents set guidelines to make their jobs easier post-divorce.

To learn more and get the help you deserve, call our divorce & family law firm Minor Law Divorce Lawyers in Rock Hill, SC at (803) 504-0971 or contact us online today.

You can also visit our law firm at 1273 Ebenezer Rd, Suite B, Rock Hill, SC 29732.

We serve throughout York County.