Earlier divorce cases saw a trend in parenting arrangements: the children would live with their mother and only saw their father during the weekends. Back then, barring any complications, mothers served as the primary caretakers while fathers were the occasionally present breadwinners.

Times have changed, however. The “traditional” family set-up is no longer applicable to everyone as more mothers serve as the family’s breadwinner (40 percent of American households have working mothers, says the Pew Research Center). Both parents are now also more actively involved in raising their children. In most cases, neither parent identifies as the children’s primary caretaker.

Modern parenting arrangements have evolved to match with the times. Traditional custodial/non-custodial parenting remains a popular choice, but more couples are considering alternative options.

Joint Physical Custody

Divorce mediation attorneys in Long Island recommend joint shared custody for parents who prefer to live with their children on an equal basis. For example, the children will live with one parent for three days and spend the remaining four with the other parent. Some arrangements involve the kids living with one parent for a week and the other parent for the next week.

Joint shared custody allows both spouses to take on new parenting roles. Moreover, the children benefit from experiencing both parents participating in daily routines separately.

Parents contemplating this approach should consider the kids’ needs first. They may not be comfortable with moving from one house to another. This type of parenting schedule requires the  parents to live near each other to reduce the children’s stress.

Nesting

Nesting arrangements are child-centered. Instead of the kids adapting to their parents’ needs and living in two separate homes, they stay put while the parents come and go (depending on who is in charge). When not with the children, the “off” parent stays in a nearby apartment or with relatives. It is a child-friendly arrangement since the kids experience less disruption in their daily routines.

For some experts, nesting is an ideal temporary arrangement for couple attempting to accomplish short-term goals. For example, parents with teenage kids may want to wait for the youngest to graduate high school before they sell the family home.

Individualized Plans

Some couples’ plans do not fit into any of the parenting plans mentioned above. More of them can work from home and care for the kids while the other parent works outside of the home. Some parents work on rotating schedules. Families with children with special needs, those needs will override custody considerations.

In all of these circumstances, with the help of your attorney, divorcing spouses can be creative with their parenting plans. At the Law Offices of Ian S. Mednick, P.C. we can help parents devise a plan that meets the best interests of the children first and the parents’ needs second.

The traditional post-divorce home life set-up is not the only option for separating couples today. If the parents are willing to work together, they can come up with a practical plan that works for everyone.

Do you need legal advice on the co-parenting plan you’re devising? The Law Offices of Ian S. Mednick, P.C. can assist. Trust our attorneys to help you with custody issues.

Get in touch with our practice today to learn more.