INDUSTRY INSIGHT
FAMILY LAW
SPONSORED CONTENT
The Benefits of a
SHARED
CUSTODY
SCHEDULE
C
lients are often surprised to hear that the courts favor
a custody schedule that gives equal time to both Mom
and Dad. Of course, not every set of circumstances
allows for or would warrant a finding for shared
custody. But, if it is possible, the law, judges, and many, if not
most, practitioners favor this arrangement, and here is why:
1. It benefits your children: Studies have shown that children
are best served when they equally share their time between
the homes of two divorced or separated parents, rather
than living with just one parent. Of course, there are still
challenges to the child/children. The back and forth can
Cook & Associates
Experience, Honesty and Results
Divorce | Custody | Support
Alimony | Division of Assets/ Debts
Cook & Associates
106 Arcadia Court
9380 McKnight Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
(across McKnight from the Outback)
(412) 366-8980
Amanda C. Cook
www.pittlawyers.com
be very stressful. But, it has been shown that children have
better emotional health, perform better academically, have
fewer behavioral problems, have better physical health,
and form more meaningful relationships with parents,
stepparents and grandparents when they equally share their
time with both parents. Additionally, a shared parenting
arrangement means that your children are able to grow up
with the influence of both parents. Each is likely to bring
different strengths to the table, and a combination of
influences will allow children to flourish developmentally.
2. It benefits you: Being a parent can take its toll on you,
both physically and mentally. However, a joint custody
arrangement gives parents that much‑needed “time off” to
enjoy some personal days. Whether your idea of “me time”
is catching up on some much‑needed sleep, reading a good
book, or getting back out into the dating scene, having that
time is healthy for your own well‑being.
3. It encourages cooperation between parents: Sharing
custody does not guarantee that the two parents are going
to get along. But, it does encourage parents to work together
to try to come up with the best solution for their child/
children. When one parent has primary or sole custody, he
or she often “runs the show” and does not feel the need to
cooperate with the non‑custodial parent.
4. It allows for cost sharing: In a joint custody arrangement,
parents are much more likely to share in the daily costs
incurred on behalf of the child/children. Why? Because a
child’s needs tend to arise organically, and on a daily basis.
Rather than one parent paying for these constant extra
expenses, as would be the case in a single‑parent scenario,
shared custody requires both parents to contribute when
these expenses pop up during their custody time. So
whethe r it’s the glue and pencils your child needs for class,
or money for the school field trip you just found out about,
a shared custody arrangement certainly gives rise to the
opportunity for sharing these expenses.
This Industry Insight was written by attorney Amanda C. Cook. Ms. Cook is
a Senior Associate at Cook & Associates located in McCandless Township. For
over a decade, she has provided her clients with compassionate representation
during the often‑difficult divorce, support and custody processes. Ms. Cook is
also a certified mediator. Other areas of practice for Cook & Associates include
estate planning and probate, real estate law and business law. For a free initial
consultation, please call Ms. Cook today at 412.366.8980 or visit the website at
www.pittlawyers.com.
ROSS TOWNSHIP
❘
SUMMER 2018
15