In an ideal world, once a couple is married they remain together for the rest of their lives and raise their children together, supporting one another emotionally and financially. However, Dallas families are well aware that the reality is much different. Oftentimes, marriages come to an end for various reasons and couples with children have to come up with a way to raise their children without being together.
It may be common sense to think that in most situations the best way to overcome the negative impact of a divorce may be for both parents to spend equal time with the children, as many times this is in the best interests of the children. In fact, research has gone to show that children spending time with both parents post divorce are less stressed than those who spend time with only one parent. Despite these overwhelming facts, shared parenting has not gotten enough traction and the fathers’ rights movement has not reached the stage it should be at, as around 83 percent of custodial parents are mothers. In fact, a study conducted a few years ago showed that 72 percent of fathers only saw their children 5.5 days a month between 2002 and 2012.
Fathers are seemingly fighting an uphill battle to protect their rights in custody arrangements. Most state statutes reflect the disparity. However, as the fathers’ rights movement gains popularity and the notion of shared parenting starts catching on, many states have either passed or are discussing passing new measures to change laws regarding legal custody of children after a divorce or separation. Texas is one of these states, where a bill calling for 50/50 custody as the norm is progressing through the legislature.
In most situations, barring those where domestic violence or other harmful behaviors are involved, it is in the child’s best interests for both parents to play an important part of their life. Custody arrangements should reflect this. Yet, until the law changes, it will be up to fathers to fight for what they think is right for their children.
Source: Huffington Post, Shared parenting movement gaining momentum in 2015, Joseph Cordell, June 18, 2015