When we say 50/50 child custody, that is when both parents have equal joint physical custody of the child. They spend equal amounts of time with the child in a year and have equal rights to the decision-making for every aspect of the child’s life. New Jersey court usually begins with the assumption that each parent needs to be equally present in the child’s life as much as possible.
However, the highest priority of the judge will always be the child’s emotional and physical well-being. Making a 50/50 custody arrangement work can be problematic because it would entail flexibility, willingness and commitment from both parents.
Why the 50/50 arrangement may not always work
Joint physical custody is inherently complicated because it positions the child in the middle of everything. A huge factor is that it removes the child’s sense of stability and permanence because they are constantly moving from house to house. The child may feel like they have no main and true home, which can be disconcerting for their psychological development.
Another thing to consider is the logistics of joint physical custody may only be possible if the parents have a good relationship. For this to work, the ex-spouses have to be in constant communication with one another to ensure there are no conflicts in schedules. You must collaborate with your ex to draft a comprehensive parenting plan that addresses all issues related to time-sharing and decision-making.
What is the best arrangement for your child?
There is no one answer to this question. As a parent, you would like to be there in all the big and important milestones of your child’s life, with the child’s best interest as top priority. There are four categories of child custody you can also consider. Although if you can make the 50/50 child custody arrangement work and together you can give your child a stable and fulfilling life, then it is wonderful way for each parent to maintain a balanced relationship.