What Are The Benefits Of Having An Open Custody Arrangement?
In a world where two people can’t agree on anything, it’s good that they’ve found some common ground with joint physical custody. Not only will this arrangement allow them to share the love and responsibility of raising their kids together but as if these perks weren’t enough – there are even more benefits! With so many additional advantages to choosing joint physical custody when you’re struggling over child-custody disputes in court, maybe both parents should consider giving up legal rights for shared parenting.
Sharing Responsibility for Your Children’s Discipline
Shared parenting means not only sharing the ups and downs of parenthood, but also taking on those responsibilities together. Sometimes it can be a challenge to work with your ex-spouse as needed, but when you share joint custody 50/50 there is more opportunity for collaboration in making decisions about what rules are necessary at home or how best to enforce consequences both parents agree upon.
Setting aside time for parenting with your ex will force you to stick to a schedule.
It’s understandable if you don’t want to share parenting time with your ex. However, if the courts have ordered joint physical custody, you’ll have to work together to figure out how your time will be divided. The most common joint custody schedules involve alternating specific days of the week on a regular basis, but there are many other options. Experiment with various schedules to see which one works best for your children.
It’s Easier to Date When You Have Joint Custody
Again, this is not a compelling reason to choose joint physical custody, but it is an advantage. When you know when your kids will be with your ex, you’ll be able to date without having to hire a babysitter or arrive home at a specific time. This relieves one more worry from the complicated logistics of single parent dating for many single moms and dads who are reentering the dating scene.
Cost-Sharing Opportunities on Everyday Items Increase with Joint Custody
Here’s an extremely practical point to consider. When you have joint custody of your children, you naturally end up sharing more of the costs of raising them. Why? Because needs arise naturally. Someone is always requesting a poster board for a school project, a check to cover the cost of the next field trip, snacks to bring to soccer practice, and so on. When your children are with your ex on his or her designated days, you can expect your ex to cover those unexpected costs.
More time to spend on yourself
It isn’t just that you will have more time for yourself (which is hard to come by as a single parent). It’s the fact that you’ll be able to prepare for it. It’s true that you might not always like it. Weekends alone, especially in the beginning, can make you feel lonely. However, once you’ve gotten into the habit of planning ahead for extended overnights, you’ll find that there are plenty of things to do… From catching up on sleep to socializing with friends to resuming your exercise routine, there’s plenty to do. Again, it may not be your first choice, but taking time for yourself can help you be a better parent.
Missing your children makes you appreciate them more.
It’s difficult to take a step back and gain perspective when you’re together 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Sure, your co-parent may not always make the same decisions as you, but that allows your children to see how each of you brings unique strengths to your relationship… which allows them to appreciate you even on days when you’re apart!
Freedom to Concentrate on Your Work
Joint custody can also provide you with the time and energy you need to advance your career. Using the kid-free time that joint custody forces on you to your advantage can pay huge dividends in the long run, whether it’s dedicating certain days of the week to working late without worrying about who will pick up the kids or finally having the time to take a certification class that could increase your earning potential.
Are You Looking for a Family Law Attorney You Can Trust?
The decision of child custody is one that needs to be made with careful consideration. One might think it’s a simple matter, but there are many responsibilities and decisions involved in the process. The courts will want to know who has cared for your children most often; how much time you spend together as parents each week; if either parent abuses drugs or alcohol excessively (or have done so in the past); where would your kids live best – near their other family members? The attorneys at GillespieShields are well-versed in a variety of different legal fields, ranging from family law to civil suits, employment disputes and probate cases. Although we specialize in several areas of practice, our greatest passion is family law. Whether you’re filing for dissolution or divorce, determining custody of your children, or thinking about adopting children, our experienced attorneys are here to help you every step of the way. During our private, one-on-one consultation, we’ll take the necessary time to answer all of your questions surrounding Arizona’s family laws, your family’s unique situation, and the possible court outcomes. Contact us today for your consultation!
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