During a Missouri divorce, a lot of issues arise, especially when there are children involved. In fact, child custody is often one of the most hotly contested parts of the divorce process. When parents cannot agree on the right course of action regarding their children, it adds a great deal of stress and division into an already tense situation.

Pushing for shared custody may be the right choice for you and your family. With the help of experienced Missouri divorce attorney Joshua Wilson, you can fight for what is in your children's best interests at every step of the divorce process.

Is Shared Custody Better?

While every case is different, studies indicate that shared parenting is the better course of action in most situations. When children are able to have a positive relationship with both parents after a divorce they tend to be healthier and happier.

Those studies have shown that children who have at least 35% of their time with each parent

• perform better in school and receive higher grades;
• have better relationships with both parents;
• are less likely to suffer from anxiety, stress, and depression;
• have better psychological health;
• interact with others socially more positively; and
• are less likely to do drugs, smoke tobacco, and drink excessively.

Certain critics claim that unless the parents can always get along, shared parenting is not possible. However, studies tend to show that pre-divorce conflict levels between you and your spouse do not reflect the ability to engage in shared parenting.

In fact, parents usually cannot agree at first. However, with the help of mediation, court orders, and other negotiated agreements, parents who could never seem to agree suddenly can make it work for their children's sake.

Is shared custody always the better choice?

Not always. Depending on your situation, shared custody may not be the right choice for you and your children. If you are reading this and are worried about your spouse's ability to parent, speaking with your attorney can help you determine whether you should argue for sole or primary custody of your children rather than shared custody.

Certain situations may mean that shared custody is the wrong choice, such as when:

• your spouse is an abusive parent,
• your spouse is addicted to drugs or alcohol,
• your spouse is preparing to move a far distance away, or
• your spouse cannot provide proper housing or other care for the children.

Every situation is unique, but you can consult with an experienced attorney to determine the best course of action for you and your children.

Consult a Missouri Divorce Attorney

Knowing when shared custody is the right choice for your family may be difficult at first. You can figure it all out with the right help. You do not have to face these decisions alone. With the help of experienced Cass County attorney Joshua Wilson, you will go into the divorce process with power, knowledge, and confidence.

Contact the Joshua Wilson Law Firm today at (816) 331-9968 for a consultation.