Many states push for more equal child custody agreements

Even though the 1950’s show called Father Knows Best was a popular program back in its day, the adage did not usually apply when it came time for judges to decide which parent should be the primary caregiver in the event of a divorce. Instead, in the majority of cases, mothers were awarded sole child custody more than 80 percent of the time. However, in almost half of the states, which may include Colorado, there has been a movement for family courts to push for more equal parenting time.

Another state has recently taken up the cause to have courts grant both parents more equal parenting time with their children. Those who are supportive of these types of bills state that research demonstrates that the majority of children benefit from time with both mothers and fathers. One of the supporters of the bill used his own experience as a reason to help these types of bills to pass. This particular father fought for shared custody of his children but even though he is a teacher and a youth pastor, he was denied shared custody of his children.

Those who oppose the Kansas bill do so because they state it would discourage cooperation between parents in devising a custody plan that best meets their family’s needs. Likewise, women’s advocacy groups fear that this type of legislation would be detrimental to the well-being of children who may suffer in domestic violence situations. Others claim that a default equal custody ruling would result in more court battles over custody.

Several other states have already adopted similar bills as it is believed that children benefit from more equal time with both parents. Many parents who agree already create parenting plans that provide each of them equal, or near equal, time with the children. Colorado parents who are struggling to arrive at an agreeable child custody plan may seek the guidance of an experienced family law attorney in order to ensure that the needs of the children involved are best served.

Source: kansas.com, “Kansas bill would give divorcing parents equal time by default“, Jonathan Shorman, Jan. 29, 2018