Is 50/50 Custody best for young children?

There is no rule that children must spend equal or “50:50” time with each parent. In most cases, it’s best that both parents discuss their child’s individual needs, and come to their own agreement about where a child will live, and how they will spend time with their parents.

Do I have to pay child maintenance if I have 50 50?

If you have shared care for at least 52 nights a year, you don’t need to pay any child maintenance.

What is classed 50/50 custody?

In this pattern, one week is spent with Parent A while the following week is spent with Parent B. This keeps parenting exchanges to an absolute minimum while still allowing both parents to have robust relationships with their children.

Can a mother stop a father seeing his child?

A mother cannot stop a father seeing his child unless the court orders to do so. If the child is scared of the father due to some kind of abuse or harm, then the mother would need to speak to the child and gather evidence which may prove the child being at risk.

Can a parent win 50 / 50 custody of their child?

They grow weary and angry with their parents and will naturally seek to ultimately get away from them both. Hence a parent may win the 50/50 battle of time with their child, but lose the lifetime relationship when their child becomes an adult in their own right. Your child’s time on earth will be spent more as an adult than as a child.

Can a 50 / 50 split be presumed when determining child?

A 50/50 presumption therefore gives parents an equal starting point, before parties present arguments and evidence to the court in favour of a more suitable arrangement. However, this presumption may not be appropriate in all circumstances, for example:

How are children affected by 50 / 50 parenting?

Dr McIntosh’s study found those who go to court are nearly five times more likely to end up with equal care. Disturbingly 28 per cent of their children are suffering acute emotional distress. “High acrimony, high conflict and low maturity, this is the toxic mix,” she said.

When did 50 / 50 custody become the first preference?

It was after concerted lobbying by fathers’ groups that the Howard government changed the law in 2006 to make equal-shared care the first preference in most custody cases. It meant a judge had to reject the 50/50 option before looking at any other. Since then there has been a dramatic rise in the number of children in these arrangements.