For decades, the courts operated under two basic premises. The first premise assumed that children benefit from a stable home more than they do with sharing equal time between parents. Second, that stable home should be the mothers because children need their mother more than their father. The first premise was widely adopted and underpinned most child custody arrangements. The second premise, while not explicitly laid down, was a common presumption among many judges.
But new studies show that children benefit more when both parents are involved in raising them. Children with both parents involved, even divorced parents, go on to lead happier and more successful lives. Furthermore, several surveys show that children prefer both parents be involved, even if it meant they would have to move between two homes more often.
In response, courts and state legislatures are adopting new rules to reflect this new research. So far, 20 states last year had pending legislation on this issue. The new parenting time allocation dynamic is sweeping the nation and appears to remake how the states approach custody.
If you are engaged in a child custody dispute, then you may want to contact an experienced attorney for representation. These disputes can be complicated, especially because it is a dispute over your children, which entails an entire emotional dynamic that many people may not appreciate. A lawyer can help focus your efforts on the best arguments and evidence to ensure that you have the best chance of success of getting what is fair with your child.