713-333-4430Why Shared Parenting Works
When a relationship ends, figuring out how to co-parent effectively may be one of the most challenging parts of what comes next. Children benefit when they have meaningful time with both parents. This is backed up by a large body of research, and as a result, courts have changed their rulings over recent years. Learning how to engage in shared parenting with the help of a divorce lawyer in Houston can help you work through this process with minimal stress.
Having the right legal team can make a big difference in your co-parenting experience. At Boudreaux Hunter & Associates, we are committed to helping families figure out their new normal during and after divorce. Attorney Shannon L. Boudreaux has spent more than 20 years advocating for her clients through difficult custody disputes, drawn-out divorces, and child support arguments. Learn more about how our team of divorce attorneys can help you now by calling us at 713-333-4430.
What Texas Law Says About Shared Parenting
Texas family law uses clear, specific language to outline parents’ rights and responsibilities. Terms like conservatorship, possession, and access refer to who makes decisions for a child and with whom a child spends their time.
Most shared arrangements involve joint managing conservators. This involves both parents contributing to decisions regarding a child’s upbringing, including education, medical care, and other aspects of their care. This is often paired with a possession schedule that gives both parents meaningful time with the child. While the court may recommend a 50/50 visitation schedule, they recognize that this isn’t always possible and that a different schedule may be best for the child’s needs.
Why This Works for Most Families
There are several reasons that divorce law firms help parents figure out shared parenting arrangements. Some of the key benefits include:
- Consistent and meaningful time with both parents: Kids get to experience ordinary weekday life and fun weekend time with both parents. This balance reduces anxiety and helps children feel fully supported by both of their parents.
- Better adjustment for the child: Except for cases involving high-conflict co-parenting relationships, shared parenting tends to lead to better child adjustment after divorce.
- Balanced parenting responsibilities: Transitioning from parenting with a spouse to being a full-time single parent can be incredibly stressful, and it’s not uncommon for single parents to experience burnout. Shared parenting alleviates much of that burden and ensures that the parenting load is split fairly between both parents. Children see both parents as capable caregivers, rather than relying solely on one for most of their needs.
Situations Where Shared Parenting Works Best
While shared parenting is often recommended, there are certain situations where it works out better than others. This setup is optimal when the parents live close enough to each other that drop-offs and pick-ups don’t significantly cut into a child’s time. This type of parenting arrangement also generally requires that the parents communicate respectfully, even if just to exchange important information. If this is difficult, your divorce lawyer can recommend co-parenting communication apps that document messages and call out aggressive tone.
This type of setup also tends to work best with kids who are old enough to transition easily. It may be more difficult for babies and young toddlers who are highly dependent on routines. However, it is definitely still possible, especially when parents are willing to work together.
While this isn’t required, it is often recommended that parents who go this route have similar parenting philosophies. General agreement on topics like screen time, bedtime, homework, extracurriculars, and discipline allow children to have the same experience in both homes.
Common Shared Parenting Schedules
While the right schedule depends on your needs, your co-parent’s needs, your child’s needs, and what your family lawyers negotiate, popular schedules include:
- Week on/week off
- 2-2-5-5
- 3-4-4-3
However, if these don’t work, you can definitely customize a plan based on your scheduling needs. This is one of the main benefits of this arrangement.
Choose Our Texas Divorce Law Firm for Your Legal Needs
If shared parenting seems like the right solution for you during your divorce, let’s talk more about what that involves. Give us a call at 713-333-4430 or send us a message online to set up a time to talk.
Shannon L. Boudreaux is a passionate advocate for her clients, working on their behalf to help them reshape their lives, their families, and their futures. For two decades, she has helped reunite parents with their children and helped clients negotiate contentious custody disputes. Learn more here.
