After a separation or divorce, it is natural (even expected) for parents to be concerned about the amount of time that they will be able to spend with their child. Because of the change in the homelife and family dynamic, it is simply impossible for both parents to spend all of their time with their child. In fact, both parents may experience a decrease in the amount of time spent with the child due to the evolving circumstances. Fortunately, 50/50 Parenting Plans allot parents with equal time sharing benefits. An experienced family law attorney can help you understand the importance of 50/50 Parenting Plans, and how to be successful if your family decides that such agreement is most suitable for your child’s needs.
The Significance of 50/50 Parenting Plans
50/50 parenting plans allow parents to spend an equal amount of time with their child. If planned properly, these arrangements can be feasible and present extraordinarily favorable outcomes to the family. If you are considering adopting a 50/50 parenting plan, you may wish to contact a mediator, child custody evaluator, or an experienced child custody attorney in Miami for assistance. There are many factors to review in order to ensure that a 50/50 parenting plan is necessary and possible.
When determining if a 50/50 parenting plan is appropriate for your family, it is best to consider:
the maturity of the child;
- how the child reacts to constant and/or sudden change;
- the relationships between the parents; and
- the location of both parents.
If the parents live too far away from each other, or if they share hostile relations with each other, a 50/50 parenting plan may not be the most feasible solution. To establish a parenting plan that upholds your child’s interest, you should contact an experienced child custody lawyer in Miami.
Advantages & Disadvantages of 50/50 Parenting Plans
50/50 parenting plans offer numerous benefits. Some of the most common advantages include:
- The child gains an equally close relationship with both parents. This often prevents the common guilt that is planted in children when they spend more time with one parent over the other.
- Both parents feel equally responsible, attached and involved in the child’s life
- The child is more likely to feel secure, safe and happy as a result of feeling loved and cared for by both parents. This contributes to positive self-esteem patterns and healthy growth and development.
- Because both parents share equal responsibility, one parent will not feel overwhelmed or helpless. Likewise, the other parent will not feel as if he/she cannot play an active role in the child’s life.
Meanwhile, several disadvantages to 50/50 parenting plans include:
- Although 50/50 parenting plans allow equal time-sharing and responsibility over the child, physical and geographical constraints may arise. For example, parents that do not share a primary residence are faced with the task of explaining to their child the meaning for frequent travel and change. This may pose anxiety and confusion for the child.
If you are considering a 50/50 parenting plan for your family, you should contact divorce lawyers in Miami. 50/50 parenting plans seem ideal, but they do not always work for all types of families. Each family is different, each divorce is different, and parenting styles undeniably differ. With the assistance of a divorce lawyer in Miami, FL, you can trust that your unique needs and circumstances will be evaluated so that the most suitable parenting arrangement is established for your family.
Learn More About Parenting Plans
At the Law Offices of Theodore H. Enfield, P.A., an experienced divorce attorney in Miami, FL, can help you learn more about parenting plans, so that you make the best decision for your child. The bittersweet reality of parenting plans is that they can either “make or break” your child’s physical and cognitive development, emotional well-being, and the relationship established among your child and co-parent.
With over 35 years of experience in family law litigation and divorce cases, our family and divorce attorneys can help you reach the best decision for your child.