In Ohio, a court has a number of options when it comes to a custody agreement. One possibility is to split parenting time equally or 50% for each parent. 50/50 child custody may work in some situations, but there are some important things to be aware of when you decide if it’s right for your children.
What are the pros of 50/50 custody splits?
One of the pros of a 50/50 custody split is each parent sharing in the day-to-day care of the children equally. The child may benefit from two parents who know their daily routine including school obligations and activities. The arrangement may work well when parents live in the same geographic area. Usually, parents who share 50/50 physical custody also share in decision-making authority for the child. However, that is not always the case.
What are the cons of 50/50 custody splits?
Equal child custody may not be the best scenario in cases where parents live a significant distance apart or one parent moves after a divorce. When travel is particularly taxing for a child because of distance, another arrangement may make more sense. In addition, 50/50 custody may not be appropriate when a parent has a history of substance abuse or domestic violence. Even a situation where a parent works away from home for long periods of time can make a 50/50 custody split unworkable.
Deciding whether to have split custody
When you’re deciding whether to have 50/50 custody in your case, remember that no two cases are alike. Whether it’s appropriate for your case depends on the geographic location of the parents, their ability to be involved in the child’s life on a day-to-day basis and the relationship between the parents. An attorney can help you explore your rights and how to fashion a custody order for the benefit of your children.
