Montgomery County Joint Custody Lawyer

A newer trend in child custody arrangements is called joint or shared custody. Previously, it was common for a woman to be given primary physical custody, and the father would have visitation only every other weekend. In shared/joint physical custody arrangements, parents' custodial arrangement is closer to equal (50/50) arrangement.

Shared custody arrangements can promote a healthier relationship between the parents and the children. A shared/joint custody arrangement can have numerous benefits for the parents and the children. These benefits can include shared childcare duties, closer parent-child emotional bonding, and promotion of emotional security, ensuring a healthy, loving relationship between both parents and children. It is important to understand that shared custody/joint custody is not for every family and will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

There are many factors that the court will consider when determining whether a shared custody arrangement is appropriate in any given case. One factor that the court will consider is logistical - the proximity of where each parent resides. If a parent resides an hour from the child's school it is unlikely that this arrangement will be feasible for the parents or the child.

The best interests of the children is the cornerstone of any child custody decision.

Among the factors to consider - the child will constantly be shuttling back and forth. How far apart will the homes be? How far from school? Will daycare or after school activities be convenient to both homes. Another significant issue is the necessity of having two of everything, hairbrushes, clothes, and everything you do not want to drag around with the child each time. Both homes will need to supply the children with the basic necessities, including appropriate sleeping quarters.

Longer blocks of time in one place benefit all parties, as this means fewer trips and transfers. The thrust of the court's analysis centers on what is in the children's best interest.

Contact our law offices to discuss the joint custody with an experienced attorney. We offer affordable legal counsel and will explain the law to you. You will never have to say "I wish my attorney would have told me."