Child Custody: Is 50/50 Really All About Money?

Going through a divorce can be tough, especially when kids are involved. One of the biggest issues parents face is figuring out child custody. You might hear a lot about 50/50 custody and wonder if it’s the best thing for your child or just a way to dodge child support. Let’s dive into what shared 50/50 custody really means, if it’s worth pursuing, and answer some common questions about child support.

What is Shared 50/50 Custody? Is It Worth Fighting For?

Shared 50/50 custody means that both parents get to spend an equal amount of time with their kids. This can mean the child spends half their time with one parent and the other half with the other parent. The idea is to help kids keep strong bonds with both parents even after a divorce.

Is It Worth Fighting For?

Whether you should fight for 50/50 custody depends on several things like how well you and the other parent get along, how close you live to each other, and most importantly, what’s best for your child.

Here are some pros of 50/50 custody:

1. Equal Time: Your child gets to spend an equal amount of time with both parents, which can help maintain strong relationships.
2. Routine and Stability: With good planning, 50/50 custody can provide a stable routine for your child.
3. Shared Responsibilities: Both parents share the duties of raising their child, which can be less overwhelming for each parent.

But, to make 50/50 custody work, you and your ex need to communicate well and cooperate. If you can’t get along or live far apart, this setup might not work best. In those cases, other arrangements might be better for your child.

Do Parents Really Want 50/50, or Do They Not Want to Pay Child Support?

A common concern is whether parents push for 50/50 custody just to avoid paying child support. While money can be a factor, many parents truly believe that equal custody is best for their child. They want to stay actively involved in their child’s life and think 50/50 custody is the best way to do that.

However, it’s important to focus on what’s best for the child rather than financial reasons. Courts prioritize the child’s best interests when making custody decisions. Showing a commitment to your child’s needs and being willing to work with the other parent will have a bigger impact than money concerns.

For those times when the financial benefit is the clear driving force behind the request for more custodial time, remember that each day, hour, or minute the child is in custody of a parent, it takes a financial toll.  For example, if you have custody 30% of the month and pay $100 in child support to the other parent, and then increase to 50% custody each month and pay $40 in child support to the other parent, it may appear like you’re saving $60 monthly.  However, you are just moving the financial burden to yourself.  With that extra custodial time, you will see an increase in groceries, utilities, entertainment, gas, and other miscellaneous expenses that you might not immediately consider.  

Will There Still Be Child Support If I Have 50/50 Custody?

Yes, you might still have to pay child support even with 50/50 custody. Child support is based on many factors like each parent’s income, the child’s needs, and the amount of time the child spends with each parent. If one parent earns significantly more, they may still have to pay child support to help cover the child’s expenses.

The aim of child support is to ensure that the child has a similar standard of living in both homes. So, even with equal custody, if there’s a big income difference between parents, child support may still be needed.  You may want to start with a certified divorce financial analyst , like Jamie Lima to understand what you should and shouldn’t expect.  

What If the Other Parent Doesn’t Use All of Their Custody Time?

If the other parent regularly doesn’t use their custody time, it can affect the custody arrangement and child support. Keep track of these instances and try talking to the other parent to understand why. If things don’t improve, you might need to go back to court to modify the custody agreement.

Courts look at the actual time spent with the child when deciding on custody and support. If one parent isn’t using their time, the agreement might need to change to better fit the child’s needs and the parent’s involvement.

And every jurisdiction is different.  Some states allow you to file contempt proceedings against the other parent.  It’s important that you discuss your case with a licensed attorney in your area.  

Can I Agree to No Child Support If I Get More Than Equal Custody?

While parents can agree to waive child support, it’s not always the best for the child. Child support ensures that the child’s financial needs are met, no matter the custody arrangement. Courts usually review these agreements to make sure they are fair and in the child’s best interest.

Even if you have more than equal custody, think about the child’s financial needs and make sure they’re covered. Any agreement to waive child support should be carefully considered and approved by the court to protect the child’s welfare.  Discuss with your attorney whether the other parent can pay certain child expenses like daycare, tuition, or extracurricular activities directly.  

Access Round-The-Clock 24-Hour Professional Services

Divorce can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when dealing with child custody issues. Having professional help available anytime can make a big difference. At DivorcePlus, we offer 24-hour divorce services to support you through these tough times. Whether you need legal advice, coaching, or parenting help, our team is here whenever you need us.

Get Expert Guidance from Parenting Coordinators and Experts

Handling child custody arrangements can be tricky, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our parenting coordinators and coaches can help you create a plan that works for you and your child. We also offer free expert articles to guide you, providing valuable insights and practical advice.

Knowledge is power, especially during a divorce. Our free expert articles cover various topics related to divorce, custody, and co-parenting. These articles provide the information you need to make informed decisions and navigate the divorce process more smoothly.

Conclusion

Child custody is a complicated and emotional issue that needs careful thought and planning. While 50/50 custody can be great for some families, it’s not always the best choice for everyone. Focus on what’s best for your child and work towards an arrangement that provides stability, support, and a positive environment.

If you’re considering divorce or need help with child custody, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. At DivorcePlus, we’re here to support you 24/7. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you navigate the challenges of divorce and custody, ensuring you and your child can move forward with confidence.

For more information and resources, visit our website and explore our range of services, including online divorce coaching , legal assistance , and life coaching. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to help you every step of the way.