Equal Shared Parenting - Canterbury Law Group

Equal shared parenting, also known as “shared parenting” or “co-parenting,” refers to a post-separation or post-divorce arrangement where both parents share approximately equal responsibility and time with their children. This approach aims to maintain strong relationships with both parents, minimizing the emotional and psychological impact of the separation on the children.

In an equal shared parenting arrangement:

Time: The children spend roughly equal amounts of time with each parent. This does not necessarily mean a perfect 50/50 split but rather a balanced distribution of time that works for both the parents and children.
Decision-making: Both parents have equal say in important decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities.
Financial responsibility: Parents typically share financial obligations for their children, which may involve child support depending on income levels and needs.

The goal of equal shared parenting is to provide children with stability, love, and guidance from both parents, regardless of their living situation.

Equal shared parenting offers several benefits for both children and parents. Some of the key advantages include:

Table of Contents

1. Improved Emotional Well-being for Children

Children in equal shared parenting arrangements often experience less emotional stress and anxiety compared to those in sole custody arrangements. They maintain strong, meaningful relationships with both parents, which fosters emotional security.

2. Better Social and Academic Outcomes

Research suggests that children who have regular and substantial contact with both parents tend to perform better in school and exhibit fewer behavioral problems. They are also more likely to develop strong social skills and higher self-esteem.

3. Balanced Parental Influence

Both parents contribute equally to the child’s upbringing, offering diverse perspectives, values, and life experiences. This balance allows children to develop a broader, more well-rounded worldview.

4. Reduction in Parental Conflict

When both parents are actively involved and share responsibility, there may be fewer disputes over child-related decisions. Co-parenting encourages better communication and collaboration between parents, reducing the likelihood of ongoing conflict.

5. Encourages Gender Equality

Equal shared parenting challenges traditional gender roles, where mothers are often expected to be primary caregivers. Fathers have more opportunities to be actively involved in their children’s lives, promoting gender equality in parenting responsibilities.

6. Better Adjustment Post-divorce

Children often adjust better to divorce or separation when they maintain strong relationships with both parents. Shared parenting helps them adapt to their new reality without the feeling of “losing” one parent.

7. Parental Well-being

Both parents benefit emotionally and physically from being active participants in their children’s lives. Equal shared parenting can alleviate feelings of isolation and loss that often accompany sole custody arrangements.

8. Less Reliance on Courts

In shared parenting arrangements, parents often work together to make decisions, which can reduce the need for prolonged legal battles over custody and visitation. This leads to less stress, lower legal costs, and more harmonious family dynamics.

Overall, equal shared parenting promotes healthier, happier outcomes for both children and parents, helping to create a stable and supportive environment despite the challenges of separation or divorce.