What Are the Pros & Cons of Joint Child Custody?

If you are going through a divorce, you are likely to wonder if joint child custody is a good option for your child. While most judges tend to favor joint custody arrangements, there are times when they don’t always serve a child’s best interests. As most divorce lawyers in Pasco County, FL, would tell you—your family’s unique circumstances will typically determine whether joint custody is the appropriate approach for your case.

The Pros of Joint Custody

Joint custody’s most significant benefit is that it allows your child to grow up with the influence of both parents. Parents with joint legal custody make mutual decisions for the child’s life and have a significant role in their upbringing. Joint custody also helps to take the burden off of one parent while also aiding in the reduction of friction between the parents since they work together and are able to split up responsibilities.

The Cons of Joint Custody

Joint custody can sometimes be stressful for children since they find themselves constantly moving from one parent’s house to the other. Some children find it hard to adjust to this routine back-and-forth—particularly younger children who prefer stability. For couples unable to work together, joint custody could end up creating even more issues for parents to fight over, which might lead to a child’s needs going unnoticed. For joint custody to work, both parents must be able to work together.