When parents decide to part ways and share custody of their children, the question of how to divide that responsibility can be quite complex. In many cases, one parent ends up with more custody than the other.
This situation raises the question of whether it is fair for one co-parent to have more custody of the kids than the other. While the answer may vary depending on individual circumstances, there are several factors to consider.
Best interests of the children
The central factor in determining custody arrangements is the best interests of the children involved. Courts and parents alike should prioritize what will be best for the kids. This entails their emotional, physical and psychological well-being. If one parent can provide a more stable, safe and supportive environment, it may be in the children’s best interests for that parent to have more custody.
Work schedules and availability
If one parent has a more flexible schedule, allowing them to spend more time with the children, it might be fair for them to have more custody. After all, having a parent readily available to meet the needs of the kids is essential for their well-being.
Living arrangements
The living environment provided by each parent is another item to consider in custody discussions. Factors such as the size of the home, proximity to schools and extracurricular activities and the overall stability of the living situation are all relevant. If one parent’s residence is more conducive to the children’s needs, it may justify them having more custody.
Some statistics indicate that mothers receive primary custody of the children in a divorce up to 68% of the time or more. However, courts may not make a ruling on matters of custody based on gender alone. If one parent receives more custody of the child than the other, it is because that is what the judge deemed to be in the child’s best interests.