Is Split Custody Worth Your Consideration?

When parents divorce, there are many factors that must be weighed in determining custody and visitation expectations. The courts lean toward shared custody agreements that allow for maximum time with each parent, but there are situations in which that’s just not practical. Many couples settle on one parent to hold primary custody, with extensive visitation rights for the other. Some families shift the kids from house to house by the week, while others shift the parents into and out of the family home weekly. There is another, lesser known custody arrangement called split custody, which may be a possibility under certain circumstances.

What is Split Custody? 

Split custody gives sole custody of one child to one parent, and another child to the other parent, splitting the siblings. It’s rare for a reason: there are a lot of complications and unforeseen outcomes that may impact children with this scenario. That’s why the best interests of the children are always the court’s number one concern. That being said, when might split custody be a good option?

• If one child has special needs that one parent is more effective in handling, and the time commitment would make it wise to send the other children to live with the other parent;
• When siblings have relationships that go beyond sibling rivalry and put emotional or physical safety at risk, separating them (and providing counseling) may be a good idea;
• If one child would have better opportunities when living with a certain parent (such as having an art student living with a parent who lives near Julliard) it may be worthwhile to consider split custody;
• When older children choose to live with different parents it may be worth a try;
• In rare circumstances when co-parenting is impossible due to geography or highly antagonistic relationships between parents.

Making it Work

Successful split arrangements require work, as do other custody agreements. Tips include:

• Being open and honest with all parties;
• Having a detailed and mutually understood parenting plan;
• Living within the parenting plan as closely as possible;
• Using facetime and other electronic forms of communications;
• Treating one another with dignity and respect’
• Keeping negative comments about the other household out of range of young ears;
• Developing consistent rules across households;
• Keeping one another apprised of the children’s calendars;
• Making all decisions based on the children’s best interests;
• Regularly reviewing and reassessing arrangements;
• Listening to children and addressing their needs fairly and consistently.

Getting it Right

Working through custody arrangements can be an emotionally daunting task. The experienced and dedicated Springfield divorce attorneys at Courtney & Mills always work toward a divorce agreement that suits you best. To discuss your concerns, schedule a confidential consultation in our Springfield office today.