Shared parenting is increasingly preferred by both divorcing parents and courts in Minnesota and across the United States. While a preconception has existed for many years that mothers should receive custody of their children, the current ideal model involves both parents sharing equally in custody and decision-making for their children.
This preference is strongly evidence-based, with many studies and the input of numerous child development professionals affirming that shared parenting is in the best interests of the child. When fathers express an interest in custody in court, they have a far better chance of getting at least a liberal amount of parenting time than in the past.
Many states have proposed laws officially supporting a shared parenting default decision, and others have passed legislation to that end. It is a very popular model internationally and is used by default in a number of other countries, including Australia and Sweden.
By spending as close to an equal amount of time with both parents as possible, children are able to develop close emotional and physical relationships with both parents despite divorce or separation. A study of over 150,000 people showed that shared custody arrangements tend to lower children’s stress levels and enhance their sense of security.
When couples are deciding to divorce, child custody can become an emotional topic. Far too often, parents regard custody disputes as battles to be won or lost in a courtroom. Rather than go that route, having the assistance of a family law attorney can be a way to negotiate an accord without having to resort to expensive and lengthy litigation.