Going through a divorce can be a traumatic experience for Washington couples and others around the nation, particularly if they have children. Determining who will get custody and deciding upon parenting plans can be quite contentious. Many family experts have been advocating a move from traditional custody arrangements. In agreement with this shift in philosophy, another state has recently gotten behind an effort to recommend shared parenting.
Traditionally, judges tended to grant physical custody to mothers. In these arrangements, fathers would have parenting time with their children only on some weekends and selected holidays. However, studies have shown that children benefit from having both parents actively involved in their lives.
Proponents of this arrangement contend that it is in the best interest of the children. The kids perform better in school and exhibit fewer behaviors that could result in delinquencies, crimes or additional problems. Conversely, those that oppose it frequently cite the financial aspects of the scenario. Shared parenting may be more expensive to parents since they will each have the responsibility of half the children’s expenses. Therefore, those against a shared plan claim that it may be an attempt for a parent to avoid making child support payments.
Parenting plans are just one of the many issues that must be resolved when a Washington couple gets a divorce. An experienced attorney can assist an individual throughout every phase of the complexities of the divorce process to ensure that his or her interests are protected. A knowledgeable lawyer will strive to achieve the best possible outcome in the proceedings.