The Pros and Cons of Shared Custody: What You Need To Know Before Making a Decision

A divorce or other form of separation may end your relationship with your ex, but the one you have with your child endures. Nevertheless, it does bring about some significant changes to it. Specifically, you and your ex must reach an agreement (or have the court impose one on you) regarding your custodial rights.

Custody consists of the right to physically be present with your child and make decisions about the child’s care and upbringing. Most Florida courts encourage parents to share custody, as there are many benefits to them and their child(ren) in doing so. 

Nevertheless, before agreeing to shared custody, it is important that you first understand the benefits and potential drawbacks of such an arrangement.

The Many Shapes of Shared Custody Arrangements

There is no one-size-fits-all shared custody plan when it comes to a Florida divorce or custody case. Instead, shared custody simply means that the two parents agree to exercise physical custody over their child at different times. In some cases, parents spend almost equal time with their children. And in others, one parent will have considerably more time with the child.

Just as shared custody involves sharing physical custody, parents who adhere to these arrangements will also share legal custody. That means they will each have some role in making decisions on behalf of the child (although not always an equal role).

Three Key Benefits of Shared Custody Arrangements

Whatever your shared custody arrangement with your ex looks like, the two of you are likely to see these three significant benefits:

Normalcy For Your Child

In a shared custody arrangement, your child gets to see and be raised by both of their parents. By being able to spend regular amounts of time with both parents, the stress of the divorce or separation process is lessened, and your child’s well-being is enhanced.

Personal Growth For You and Your Ex

Shared parenting arrangements require a considerable amount of coordination and cooperation, as emergencies and unforeseen circumstances can easily disrupt the plan. To make your shared custody arrangement work without having to resort to appearing in court, you and your ex must learn to effectively co-parent and put your differences aside for the sake of your child.

Sharing of Time and Resources

In a sole custody arrangement, the other parent may not be required to provide support, leaving the custodial parent to deal with the child’s ongoing needs alone. However, in a shared custody arrangement, both parents must contribute to the child’s well-being. 

The fact that both parents share physical custody means that each parent has opportunities to provide materially for the child as well.

The Potential Drawbacks To Shared Custody Arrangements

While desirable and beneficial, shared custody arrangements do not work in every situation. 

The potential drawbacks of such an arrangement could include the following:

  • Increased fighting between you and your ex if the plan is not meticulously followed
  • Challenges in sticking to the plan when people’s schedules or routines are disrupted
  • Unsettledness for your child if they are constantly being brought back and forth between your and your ex’s homes

Any couple considering shared custody must weigh these benefits and drawbacks and then decide whether a shared custody plan is in their child’s best interests.

Custody Arrangements in Florida Are About Your Child

You must remember what is truly important when deciding whether a shared custody agreement is right in your situation and what that plan should look like. Like all other custody-related decisions, this should be about your child’s well-being. If they’ll benefit from a shared custody plan, then you should be encouraged to set aside your pride and give a shared custody arrangement a try for their sake.

Contact Our Child Custody Law Firm in Orlando, FL

Contact the experienced Orlando child custody lawyers at McMichen, Cinami & Demps today for legal assistance. Contact our Orlando, FL office at (407) 898-2161 to schedule a free consultation.

McMichen, Cinami & Demps – Orlando Office
1500 E Concord St
Orlando, FL 32803