More Shared Parenting Time Could Improve Outcomes for Children

 Posted on January 31, 2017 in Divorce

Historically, divorce meant that children lost the close connection they had with at least one of their parents. This was often true, even in cases where both parents would have been considered fit to care for the child. Why did this happen, and have things changed? Fortunately, there are ways to improve the outcome of a divorce for your child.

How Divorce Has Changed

There was a time when fathers were given almost no explicit rights to their children. As a result, society saw an increase in troublesome childhood behavior. Many started to struggle in school. Suicide rates increased, fewer children were completing school, and more children and young adults were running away and becoming homeless. 

Data from several different federal agencies, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Census Bureau, and the Department of Justice have connected many of these issues to single parenting. This is not to say that there is a direct correlation between divorce, single parenting, and troubled children - the link could be merely coincidental in some cases. Further, there could be deeper issues within such homes, such as a history of domestic violence or poverty. 

Still, the possible connection could not be ignored, nor could the studies that showed the many positive effects of having an involved, loving, and present father. So judges and lawmakers started to give fathers more time with their children, and mothers were encouraged to keep them involved in the child’s day-to-day life and activities. It also became more difficult for mothers to alienate dads completely. 

An Unfortunate Family Law Truth

Although the family courts have started giving fathers more rights and more time with their children, the progress has been painfully slow. In fact, one study found that Nebraskan mothers were given sole or primary custody of their children 75 percent of the time. Fathers were only granted the same in 15 percent of all cases. Further, in cases where fathers shared custody with the mother, children only spent 16 percent of their time with their dads. Illinois has attempted to take some progressive steps to further improve on these statistics, but there are still issues and concerns.

Improving the Outcome for Your Child

If you and your spouse are both committed to protecting the best interests of your child, it makes sense that you would try to work together during the divorce. Unfortunately, this is not always easy. Emotions can get in the way, and parents sometimes get caught up in the idea of “winning” divorce. When you are a father, you are already at risk for this negatively affecting you in the outcome of your case.

The Law Office of Vincent C. Machroli, P.C. can help. Dedicated and experienced, our Oak Park divorce attorney will work hard to get you the parenting time and allocation of parental responsibilities you deserve. To discuss your case, call 708-449-7400 and schedule your complimentary consultation with us today.

Source:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/commentary/article/Co-parenting-post-divorce-eases-many-social-ills-10895011.php