Joint custody has gained numerous acclaims over the years for the benefits that it provides many children of divorce.
However, not every child will benefit from this form of custody. In what situations would it be best to opt for a different form of custody, or even keep a child away from one of the parents altogether?
Do they lack involvement?
Talking Parents discusses reasons that joint custody might end up taken off the table of considerations.
First is if the parent does not want contact with the child or involvement in their life. In some divorce situations, especially with unborn or extremely young children, one parent may not want anything to do with either their ex-spouse or child. In such situations, forcing the matter often does more harm to the child than good.
Sometimes, parents want to have that involvement in their child’s life but simply are not in the position to safely do so. For example, if one parent must spend extensive amount of time away due to service in the military or incarceration, they cannot physically stay present in the child’s life.
Likewise, if one parent suffers from addiction or substance abuse, whether or not they currently undergo treatment for it, they will likely not have a stable and comfortable home to offer their child.
Are they facing any allegations?
Finally, if a parent currently faces allegations of abuse or neglect, even if those allegations do not involve their child, it is best to keep them away from the child while the case is ongoing. It is possible to consider more permanent measures after the case gets decided.