Filing for divorce is often an overwhelming and emotional process, especially when there are children involved. In some cases, the judge presiding over the case will grant sole-physical custody to the parent who provided the most care for the child during the marriage. Yet, studies show that a joint-parent situation may be more beneficial to children as they grow and develop. The study published in the Journal of Family Psychology shows that children who grow up with divorced parents fair better when they spend a significant amount of time with both their mother and father.
After studying kids from intact homes, joint-custody arrangements and sole-custody situations, researchers determined that children who have access to both parents have a high self-esteem and exhibit fewer behavioral problems. They also displayed better relationships with others and had a higher academic performance. Overtime, kids who are raised in joint-custody homes obtain more successful careers, have better marriages, develop stronger social networks and are more emotionally stable than those who are raised in sole-custody situations.
These benefits may arise from the notion that parents who share custody of the children tend to have a more cordial and positive relationship with one another. There may be less tension, negativity and harsh feelings, which can pour off onto children who are involved in the situation. Kids need the love and attention of both parents and having time with mom and dad can have many positive influences in a child’s life.
This information is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.