Parents in Virginia that are splitting up may want to consider engaging in shared parenting after the divorce. According to multiple studies, shared parenting is a significant factor in the health and development of children after their parents get divorced.
According to more than 50 studies on joint physical custody in families in the United States and overseas, children who spend at least 35 percent of their time with each parent, as opposed to living full time with one and then visiting with the other, not only have better relationships with their parents, they also perform better in school and social settings. However, even with the proven advantages of shared parenting, there is still resistance to legal reform and removing gender barriers.
Opponents of shared parenting assert that children in these circumstances only fare better because there is less conflict and their parents have more money. Critics also state that if one parent opposes shared parenting, then the plan will not benefit the family.
One professor of education and adolescent psychology conducted research to test those theories. She found that children benefited from shared physical custody even if there was substantial conflict between the parents or if one of them was opposed to the custody arrangement. The benefits of shared parenting did not depend on the either of the parents’ income. It can be concluded from the professor’s research that a focus should be placed on improving the relationships children have with their divorced parents by making the most of their time together.
An experienced attorney may be able to help divorcing parents resolve child custody issues and other related conflicts. Litigation may be pursued to obtain favorable results for spousal and child support.