In Colorado, many parents opt for simplicity when they are deciding upon a custody schedule. This is especially true when the parents equally divide custody and opt for a schedule that alternates weeks between the parents’ homes. However, experts are beginning to advise against this, as it may accentuate the stress that children already feel as a result of the divorce. Now, parents are asked to consider different arrangements for 50-50 custody when going through a divorce.
Why to Consider Different Arrangements for 50-50 Custody?
The main problem for children is that one week may be too long to be apart from one of their parents. They had grown accustomed to being around both parents and already must adjust to their new routine. Now, they must cope with the possible separation anxiety that they begin to experience when faced with a long absence from one parent’s home.
In addition, the schedule may be burdensome on both of the parents. For an entire week, they are on their own when it comes to practical arrangements for the children. This could cause them problems with their job when they need the flexibility to pick their child up somewhere. Moreover, this could present issues if the two parents have difficulty speaking to each other since more communication is needed under this approach. Accordingly, experts are recommending ways of more frequent switches when the parents equally divide custody.
Custody Arrangement Problems
This type of schedule might require some negotiation and back-and-forth so that both parents are able to agree. It is not the traditional type of arrangement, so it may take some conceptualizing to understand. A child custody lawyer may help explain how this schedule would work. They might then help their client negotiate with the other parent or their lawyer in order for the two parties to reach an agreement. This type of custody may take some back-and-forth to agree to, but it could be better for the children.
