Are equal custody rulings fair to children? Not always, and that’s something you need to consider when you go to court over your divorce. Spending time with your child is important, but their well being also needs to be put first. If 50/50 custody puts too much strain on your child, then the court won’t be likely to want to allow it.
Custody conflicts are some of the most difficult issues in a divorce. In Colorado, paternal responsibility refers to the time a parent spends with his or her child. Shared custody is common, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the child’s time is spent with each parent equally.
While splitting your time with your child 50/50 may seem fair, consider the impact it would have on his or her life. If you and your ex live far apart, your child will be separated from friends and family for half the time no matter where they go. Going from one home to another every other day or every few days is also disruptive to a child’s routine. It’s much less disruptive to find a way to have a child primarily live in one home with a few days spent in the other home every few weeks. Or, going as far as to have one home through a school year and another during summer vacation may be a possibility.
Your child isn’t a prize in a divorce, and he or she is not something that can ever really be won. As parents, you need to take the time to consider the best options for your child and yourself. Our website has more information on the things you need to consider.