Is 50/50 Custody Really the Best Option for My Kids in North Carolina?

A 50/50 split is the classic definition of “fair.” This could be a 50/50 split of a meal, a workload, or child custody in a North Carolina divorce. A 50/50 split might make sense for parents seeking fairness, but does it really serve the best interests of the child? This is a question you might want to ask yourself as you approach a child custody case. What are some alternatives to a straight 50/50 split? What are the pros and cons of this arrangement? You can explore these questions further alongside an experienced custody attorney.

First, you should know that a 50/50 custody split is only possible under certain circumstances. First, both parents must be willing and able to take the children for 50% of the time. This is not always possible, especially if one parent works a demanding, full-time job. For a 50/50 split to occur, both parents must be equally “fit” to carry out childcare duties. This means that if one parent has a history of abuse or other misconduct, they may not spend much time with their children after a divorce or breakup.

A 50/50 split might be a positive choice if both parents live in the same general neighborhood. This might also be a smart choice if the children seem okay with traveling back and forth between the two family homes throughout the year. In addition, a 50/50 split could be particularly effective if both parents show a willingness and ability to cooperate and communicate in the future. A 50/50 split generally involves numerous custody exchanges, and these require careful coordination.

On the other hand, a 50/50 split might not make much sense if the parents live far apart. If the child must travel more than about 40 minutes from one family home to another, this arrangement might not be the best choice. In addition, a 50/50 split might be difficult if the parents struggle to coordinate and communicate effectively. These struggles are particularly common after bitter, resentful divorces.

Psychologists are split on whether a 50/50 split is a positive choice for a child’s mental health. Some believe that the closer a custody schedule is to a “true” 50/50 split, the better a child’s mental health becomes. Others believe that a 50/50 split may not be a positive psychological choice for children for a variety of reasons.

One potential issue is the fact that although parents might spend equal amounts of time with their children, they may not have equal parenting abilities. Some may be inherently better suited to ensuring the child’s needs are met, while others may struggle with this for whatever reason. Based on these realities, some argue that courts should take a more nuanced approach to custody instead of relying on a “default” 50/50 arrangement.

It is worth noting that 50/50 custody schedules come in many forms. One common example is the 2-2-3 schedule, which involves custody exchanges every few days. Another popular choice is a “two weeks on, two weeks off” schedule that involves less frequent custody exchanges. The point is that even if parents agree that a 50/50 schedule makes sense to keep things fair, there are many ways to make this happen.

Parents can still spend plenty of time with their children even if a 50/50 split does not end up happening. Even a few days of parenting time every few weeks can give the children enough time to form close bonds and create important memories. Parents who normally work full-time may decide to take the children on the weekends. Another option could be to take the children during their summer break from school.

A North Carolina family law attorney may be able to help if you are searching for answers about a 50/50 custody split. While a 50/50 split might be the fairest option, it may not make sense for all kinds of reasons. Both parents can still spend plenty of time with the kids, even if a 50/50 split is not entirely feasible. Parents can discuss potential alternatives with an experienced attorney for further guidance. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, to continue this discussion today.