Sharing custody usually looks like alternating parenting time. Your children spend Monday and Tuesday with you and then Wednesday and Thursday with your ex.
Such shared custody arrangements allow both parents to remain in contact with the children while also developing their careers and rebuilding their personal lives. For some couples in unique situations, traditional shared custody is not the best solution when they divorce. Split custody arrangements are a less common but potentially valuable solution for unique parenting circumstances.
How is split custody different?
When parents share multiple children, they can split custody instead of sharing custody. If they have four children, two will stay with one parent while two are with the other, for example. Some of the children are with each parent, although they may exchange the children or have visitation where all the children pay together.
Common reasons for parents with shared custody utilizing split custody arrangements include conflict between the children and one parent, large families with a big span in children’s age and children with special needs who have siblings. Splitting custody can be a way to keep all the children in the family close with both parents while also meeting their unique needs, like one-on-one parental support.
Split custody can be a way for both parents to have responsibility for the children without overwhelming either parent at any given time. It can also be a great way to ensure that all of the children have their needs met, especially in families with special needs children. Looking into unique shared custody solutions can help parents prepare their families for an upcoming divorce.
