How does the type of custody arrangement (spending some time living with each parent versus living with only one parent) affect children?

Recently, researchers compared the results of 33 studies of custody arrangements. They found that in general, children in joint custody arrangements are better adjusted (better emotional adjustment, family relationships, self-esteem, and behavior) than children in sole-custody. The joint custody children in this study didn’t necessarily spend equal time in both parents’ homes, but most spent at least 25 percent of their time with each parent. However, other research has found that if there is a lot of conflict between parents that joint custody may not be a good arrangement for children.

Another study found that adolescents who spent about equal time living in both parents’ houses were more satisfied with their living arrangement than adolescents who lived primarily with their mothers or fathers. Most adolescents were doing well regardless of whether they lived primarily with their mother, primarily with their father, or spent equal time living with both. When there was a conflict between parents, the adolescents who spent equal time living with both parents were more negatively affected by the conflict.

Here are some issues to consider in deciding whether or not an equal-time arrangement will work for your family:

• The level of conflict between parents. An equal-time arrangement may not be best if there is a lot of conflict between parents. Parents need to be able to communicate and cooperate with each other for this type of arrangement to work well.
• How adaptable is your child to change? Equal-time arrangements work best for children who are flexible and adjust well to change.
• When adolescent children are involved, it is important to consider whether their activities will be monitored in both homes. It is important for adolescents to be accountable to a parent who knows where they are and what they are doing at each home.
• Younger children need consistent routines. If an equal-time arrangement is used with younger children, it is important to keep routines in each household as consistent as possible.
  
  

Kim Leon, Ph.D., Former Assistant Professor and State Specialist, Human Development & Family Studies, Human Environmental Sciences Extension, University of Missouri-Columbia

Alison Levitch, Human Development & Family Studies Graduate Student, Human Environmental Sciences Extension, University of Missouri-Columbia

Last updated:09/14/2007