Ten Tips for 50/50 Custody in 2023

Divorce is undeniably a challenging experience, and when children are involved, it becomes even more complex. In the ever-evolving landscape of divorce and custody arrangements, navigating the process requires careful consideration and proactive decision-making. As we continue through the year 2023, the importance of establishing a successful co-parenting relationship remains paramount. Divorcing couples must address the pressing question of custody and strive to find a balance that ensures the well-being of their children. In this updated guide, we explore ten essential tips for those seeking to achieve a 50/50 custody arrangement, acknowledging the evolving dynamics and realities of co-parenting in the present era. By implementing these strategies, parents can lay a strong foundation for a cooperative and supportive co-parenting journey, promoting the best interests of their children throughout the divorce process and beyond.

Tip 1: Live Close

Both parents need to live close, the closer the better. The rule of thumb is parents should strive to live within 20 miles of each other. Generally, in cases where parents live more than 20 miles apart, there’s usually a primary physical custodial parent because it becomes increasingly challenging to have the children going between two homes 50 percent of the time.

Tip 2: Share Financial Responsibility

Ensure you are stepping up and sharing the financial responsibility of the children. This means actively participating in sharing costs of school fees, extra-curricular activities, child support if owed, and genuinely contributing to the financial support of the children. Children are expensive, and if you aim to be a 50/50 parent, it’s crucial to demonstrate your commitment to helping pay for and support them.

Tip 3: Keep Detailed Records

Document, document, document the time spent with your children. Maintain a calendar and take daily notes on when you have your children or are attempting to have them. Even if your efforts to see your children are hindered by the other party, keep records of your attempts to spend time with them. These records will be valuable if custody becomes an issue in your divorce case.

Tip 4: Be actively Involved

Be equally involved with your kids by engaging in activities like school pick-up and drop-off, staying informed about their extra-curricular activities, attending doctor and dentist appointments, and fulfilling other parental responsibilities. Don’t forget to keep records of your involvement as well.

Tip 5: Provide Adequate Living Space

Ensure your living arrangements are suitable for having children half the time. This doesn’t necessarily mean each child needs a large, luxurious room to themselves, but you should have appropriate space for them, where they have their own beds and are comfortable. Bunk beds and shared rooms are acceptable, as long as the space meets the needs of your children.

Tip 6: Have a Flexible Plan

Parenting is not always predictable, and you need to have a plan for handling different situations that may arise. If you’re at work and receive a call from a child at school who needs to be picked up or if a child falls sick and needs to stay home, be prepared to adapt. While maintaining a job is possible, you must be the primary person responsible and able to handle the realities of being a parent during your allocated parenting time. Having a contingency plan will help you navigate unexpected events.

Tip 7: Be Realistic

Consider your lifestyle and whether pursuing a 50/50 custody arrangement aligns with your capabilities and commitments. If you have a career that requires frequent travel or you are regularly away for extended periods, investing resources in fighting for 50/50 custody may be less practical. Ultimately, it’s up to you, but if your lifestyle does not support being physically available for your children 50 percent of the time, it may be less feasible to push for equal custody.

Tip 8: Maintain Respectful Communication

If you have 50/50 custody, you will have more interaction with your ex-spouse. To have a successful co-parenting arrangement, it’s crucial to maintain respect. Avoid speaking negatively about the other parent to your children, approach your ex with respect, and strive to navigate co-parenting with minimal conflict.

Tip 9: Strive For Agreement

One of the best things you can do for 50/50 custody is to work out the custody arrangements with the other parent. It is a positive sign and increases your chances when both parents voluntarily come to an agreement on how co-parenting will be structured. Collaborative discussions and finding common ground can lead to a more amicable and effective parenting arrangement.

Tip 10: Prioritize The Childen’s Best Interest

Most importantly, the custody arrangement should be in the best interest of the children. This is what the court will consider if you and your spouse are unable to agree on custody and your case goes before a judge. In divorce court, the guiding principle is determining what is fair (a court of equity) and what serves the best interest of the children. By following the previous tips and demonstrating your commitment to being a responsible parent, joint custody is likely to be considered in the best interest of your children.

To successfully navigate your case toward a joint custody situation, it is crucial to show up, be actively involved, share financial responsibilities, maintain respectful communication, and prioritize the well-being of your children. Keeping detailed records, living close to each other, having appropriate living arrangements, and being realistic about your capabilities are additional factors that contribute to a positive co-parenting arrangement. Remember, the ultimate goal is to create a nurturing and supportive environment for your children during and after the divorce.

We understand that navigating custody arrangements can be complex. If you have any questions or need assistance with your specific case, we are here to help. Contact JR Law Group at (801) 297-8545 to schedule a consultation with our experienced family law attorneys in Salt Lake City, Utah.

JR Law Group is a Salt Lake City based firm specializing in Divorce and Family Law. For more information call JR Law Group at (801) 297-8545 to schedule an appointment or visit them online at jrlawgroup.com and Instagram: @jrlawgroup.

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Disclaimer – This video is intended for informational purposes only.  Nothing in this video is to be considered as either creating an attorney-client relationship between the viewer and JR Law Group or as rendering of legal advice for any specific matter. Viewers are responsible for obtaining such advice from their own legal counsel. No viewer should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information contained in the video or on JR Law Group’s Website without seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue.

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