Shared parenting laws are finally getting some attention at the Legislative branch. Across the United States, lawmakers are introducing or updating previous bills to provide divorced parents equal rights to their kids.
Current shared parenting situations for most divorced families usually favor moms when it comes to the children's custody. Dads, on the other hand, usually get the children only on weekends or have some type of temporary arrangement. Recent studies, however, point out that children of divorce adjust better physically, mentally and emotionally if they get equal time or 50-50 custody with both parents who are fit to care for them.
One such study, published in early February, recommended kids of separated parents, even as young as infants, must spend frequent overnights with their fathers. The study suggested children who are used to spending equal time with both parents grow up to be well-adjusted adults, as Parent Herald reported.
According to Terry Brennan of the Leading Women for Shared Parenting, these recent studies have opened the eyes of some legislators in light of the fact that current laws keep children away from their fathers. "[They] are just learning the degree to which family courts contribute to this problem," she said, per Life Gazette. She also said that six states have active legislation on equal or shared parenting.
North Dakota lawmakers recently passed a shared parenting bill at the House by a vote of 71 to 21 and it will soon go through the Senate, according to Prairie Republic. Massachusetts lawmakers have a shared parenting bill in the Senate since 2016, Bill H.4544, and it will be discussed in the 2017 sessions. More states are expected to follow suit.
Where do you stand on shared parenting laws? Do you believe that a 50-50 equal time with the parents will be best for the child? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
