Decisions regarding child support and shared custody are beginning to favor joint custody over sole custody.
The courts' recent disposition stems from the belief that children benefit more when parents share the responsibility of rearing them, and their welfare should be the major factor under consideration.
As far as available resources for children of divorce, youth are likely to have more of their basic and special needs met when both parents participate in their care.
Child Support and Shared Custody: How Successful Is It? Joint custody is synonymous with shared custody, meaning that both parents are awarded the opportunity and responsibility to care for their children.
Usually, there is some type of pre-established arrangement in which parents alternately house and/or spend time with their children.
The court has the final say in the matter, however, and the primary considerations are (or should be) the children's health, security, and happiness.
Sometimes parents are able to collaborate in planning their strategy to promote health in their children throughout the separation and divorce process.
In some cases, financial planning may be possible without court battles.
Children are apt to benefit emotionally from witnessing a cooperative spirit in their parents' communication.
Advantages of having shared custody agreements between parents are: less friction and arguments, more parental contact with children, and free personal time when the other parent has them.
When custody agreements are clearly written, there is less probability of misunderstandings and arguments about the children.
When both parents regularly see their children, the separation or divorce may be less threatening to the youth.
There are many factors that, when agreed upon in advance, can limit problems with anxiety, disagreements, and resentments.
Child Support and Shared Custody: Specific Information Parents who are involved in a breakup of their relationship might benefit from some type of education or counseling regarding their finances.
They need to know about their income and cash flow, since child support is decided based upon income.
When deliberating on child support issues in shared custody, the presence of an attorney is not required; however, it is very important to record any agreements on paper for future reference.
The Internet has tools that help to plan how parental resources will be shared to support children.
On-line forms, calculators, and other information is available to instruct and assist couples in exploring their financial obligations in regard to child support and shared custody.
Much of the potential conflict about finances can be prevented when parents learn and understand the standard allotment of income that is assessed toward supporting their children.
Child support and shared custody has its advantages in providing for children's welfare.
Even when youngsters live equally with both parents, child support may be awarded to the parent with the lower income.
Needs of children may be more easily met when both parents contribute.
Even daily, basic expenses may be too much for one parent to cover.
Children do not need to suffer consequences of their parents' inability to remain together; thus, it is helpful to all concerned if the parent with the most money can be cognizant of children's needs, and try to meet them through financial assistance.