Joint custody has numerous acclaims due to studies across the years that have shown how helpful this type of custody is for children.
However, as with every custody option, it does not suit every family perfectly. What sort of situations do not benefit from joint custody?
Can you get along with your co-parent?
Talking Parents discusses some reasons that might get in the way of a family opting for joint custody. First, how the parents interact with one another can jeopardize this option. It is important for parents to have a basic ability to cooperate and tolerate one another well enough to work together. For some, this is simply impossible due to the level of hurt feelings that occurred before, during and after the split.
Do you have good availability?
Next, the availability of the parents is important. If one parent must leave often due to active military service, or if they face a period of incarceration, they physically cannot stay present in their child’s life. Thus, joint custody is not the best choice.
Will you mind your child’s best interest?
And of course, both parents need to have the child’s best interest in mind. There are some cases, especially when a child is young or unborn, where one parent wants to opt entirely out of the child’s life along with staying away from their co-parent. In such situations, it is best not to force a bond.
Also, if one parent is currently facing charges of abuse or neglect even if it does not involve the child, they should still stay away from the child until the court matter gets settled.
For people who fall into this category, there are still custody options available.
