Split Child Custody Arrangements are Effective for Some Family Dynamics

When considering the terms of child custody as part of your divorce, you may be inclined to want full control of your children. In many cases of divorce, child custody disputes are resolved with one parent assuming full custody and responsibility while the other parent pays child support and is permitted visitation.

For the emotional and physical well being of children, however, many divorce courts and divorce mediators strongly recommend split custody of children. While this child custody arrangement is rarely popular among divorcing couples, the children of the couple often benefit far greater than a sole custody arrangement. If you find that your divorce arrangements are posing some degree of stress with regard to custody, you may want to consider the split custody arrangement.

Split custody of children is far different from that of joint custody or sole custody. With split custody arrangements it is necessary that you have, at least, two children involved in the custody issue. Under split custody, the children are separated with half of the children spending time with one parent while the other half of the children spend time with the other parent. In alternating weeks, the children switch residences and places.

The most obvious opposition to split custody involves the inability of children to stay together and, most often, distances children from one another just as the parents are distancing from one another. However, in families where a child is disabled, or there is a child who is in need of additional health services, either physical or mental, the use of split custody has provided for more attention and care focused upon the child in need.

In families where children may not co-habitate well, the use of split custody has been quite effective at resolving disputes, even if only on a temporary basis. When split custody is arranged, the divorcing couple must, unfortunately, continue to live in proximity to one another and must take full parental and financial responsibility for the children while in their care. Unlike sole custody or joint custody, a divorce agreement to split custody often means both parents will have children at all times, although the children may vary.

In the 21^st century, there are many creative ways in which to manage your divorce or separation. In terms of child custody issues, many divorcing couples are considering unique ways in which to manage the care of their children, physically, emotionally and financially. In this aspect of care, the focus has been placed upon the need to parent children equally, often resulting in the development of split custody child arrangements.