Divorce is never easy on anyone, especially when it comes to children. Rather than residing in one stable home where they enjoy the company of both parents, children now face living in divided households, being shuffled back and forth between each parent. Ultimately, divorce is often the right choice for couples who simply cannot reconcile, but that does not change the fact that the transition is a difficult one for children of all ages.

We at the R&S Law Group, LLP have always advocated amicability between both parties and emphasized mutually-beneficial agreements, as these often lead to resolutions that work for everyone and especially help children transition into their new life with ease. And now, there are scientific results to back up this up. A 2017 study conducted at the Stockholm University in Sweden explored this very issue, and the results come as no surprise to us.

How Shared Custody Fosters a Happier, Healthier Environment

The researches in this particular study sought to analyze the effect that custody arrangements have on children, comparing the well-being and happiness of children living under different types of custody arrangements. Despite the popular belief that being shuffled between homes makes children unhappy and restless, the study found that those who lived under joint custody experienced much less stress and exhibited less behavioral problems overall when compared to their peers that permanently lived in one household under one parent.

The authors surmise that this could be because children in split custody arrangements have equal access to both parents, something that child psychologists have been advocating for years. This also encourages both parents to adopt an active role in the lives of their children, and sometimes even fosters a healthy relationship between otherwise distanced ex-spouses.

Explore Your Joint Custody Options with a California Family Law Attorney

The results of this study are encouraging for many who are anxious about the effects that their divorce might have on their children’s’ well-being and happiness. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that every case is different, and there truly is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to family disputes. When it comes to divorce and child custody in California, your first step should always be to consult with a skilled family law attorney.

Count on us at the R&S Law Group, LLP to help you navigate any type of family law matter in California. Call us today to schedule your free initial consultation, where you can learn more about how we can help.