Joint custody has a good reputation among couples who have gone through divorce for various reasons. However, no matter how touted it is for many, that does not mean it works for everyone.
How can a person tell whether or not joint custody is a viable option for them?
Lacking trust or cooperative skills
As Psychology Today discusses, joint custody has numerous benefits for children of divorce. However, in spite of these benefits, it is not always the best option for a family.
For example, the first thing needed for joint custody to work is a level of trust and cooperation between parents. For some ex-couples, this is simply impossible whether due to the circumstances behind the divorce or simply a clash of personalities or methods of handling the split.
Lacking equal access
Next, both parents should have equal access to the child. This is not always the case. For example, one parent may serve as an active duty service member in the military. In another instance, a parent may face an extended period of incarceration, rendering them incapable of spending time with their child.
Not valuing the child’s best interest
Finally, both parents must have the best intentions for their child in mind. If one parent is currently facing charges of abuse or neglect, whether it is toward their child or ex-spouse or even someone else, they should not be left alone with the child. Additionally, if a parent simply does not want to take part in their child’s life, joint custody will not work.
Many other custody options exist outside of joint custody. Thus, if a family falls under any of these categories, they may benefit from looking into other forms of custody instead.