What is the Best Custody Schedule for My Children in California?
After a divorce, many parents worry about the mental health of their children. It goes without saying that this can be a difficult time for young ones, and parents understandably want to do everything in their power to limit stress and psychological issues. By creating an effective custody schedule, parents can make the transition toward post-divorce life as seamless as possible for their children. But what exactly is the best parenting schedule for children in California?
Do You Have Joint Physical Custody?
When creating the best custody schedule for your children, you should first consider whether or not you have joint or sole physical custody. Depending on your unique situation, your custody schedule will likely be very different. As a general rule, joint physical custody will result in the child spending approximately equal amounts of time living with each parent. If you have sole physical custody, your child may only spend limited amounts of time with your ex – perhaps over the holidays or summer break.
Consider the Physical Distances Between Home
A schedule should also revolve around the physical distances between each parent’s home. It may be easier to carry out numerous exchanges per week if you live in the same general neighborhood. In contrast, children may spend hours driving between homes if their parents live far apart. It is best to avoid excessive travel time for children. If you live far apart, consider fewer exchanges per month.
You also need to consider the effect of these distances on your child’s education, involvement with the community, and friend groups. It may not be viable to have your child travel back and forth between different counties, attend different schools each week, and split their time between different communities. As a result, one parent might consider taking the child over the weekends in order to limit any problems with the child’s education.
Given the nuanced considerations in crafting an optimal custody schedule, parents navigating post-divorce life in California may find it beneficial to consult with a knowledgeable child custody attorney. These legal professionals can provide valuable insights and guidance, ensuring that the custody arrangement aligns with the child’s best interests while addressing practical factors such as physical distances between homes and psychological well-being.
What Do Psychologists Say About the Best Parenting Schedules?
As with many fields, it is difficult to get a consensus from trained child psychologists on the subject of custody schedules. It seems that the only thing psychologists can agree on is the fact that a joint custody arrangement is better for a child’s mental health compared to sole custody arrangements. That said, a Psychology Today article seems to suggest that very young children should spend more time with one “primary attachment figure” rather than splitting their time equally among both parents. However, this is a subject of considerable debate in the psychological world.
Find an Experienced Child Custody Lawyer in California
If you and your ex cannot agree upon the best schedule for custody in Riverside County, you might want to speak with a child custody lawyer for further guidance. Consider reaching out to child custody attorneys at RM Law Group for more information. We have helped countless parents approach this difficult process in the most efficient, confident manner possible. Book a consultation today to take your first steps toward the most effective schedule for the entire family.
Jason Martinez is a co-founding partner of RM Law Group, LLP. His practice focuses exclusively on California Family Law and community property division, including litigation and settlement of complex and high-conflict divorce and child custody proceedings. Jason understands that divorce and family law issues have long-term effects on all family members, especially the children.
