Is a Strict 50/50 Parenting Time Split Realistic?

 Posted on November 19, 2024 in Child Custody / Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

In the state of Illinois, the best interests of the child are always the overriding concern when determining the allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, and which parent will be the primary residential parent (the parent the children live with the majority of the time). The allocation of parental responsibilities determines how the parents will make important decisions for their children.

There is a presumption that both parents will work together to negotiate an agreement that clearly outlines each parent’s rights and decision-making capacity. The major decisions in a child’s life include choices regarding religion, education, health and medical care, and extracurricular activities.

The parents may decide to discuss these decisions and make them together or may split the decision-making between the parents. In either case, there must also be a way of resolving any differences that arise in the future. After determining the allocation of parental responsibilities, one parent is usually designated as the primary residential parent, while the other has parenting time.

Some parents want a true 50/50 split in which the children spend equal amounts of time at each parent’s home. While this may sound like the best way to split parenting time, research indicates that splitting time exactly equally between parents may have a downside – for the children. Speaking with an experienced Naperville, IL parenting time lawyer from Calabrese Associates, P.C.can be extremely beneficial in determining how decision-making and parenting time will be split.  

Is a 50/50 Split Best for the Children?

Children benefit from consistency and stability. When parents have split parental responsibilities and parenting time, the children are forced to adapt to two separate homes, different parenting styles in many situations, and the logistics of moving back and forth between two environments.

When parents are united in all co-parenting decisions and can put aside their own issues in favor of always doing what is best for the children, a 50/50 split can potentially work; in reality, this is rare and often unrealistic. Some of the negative effects on children that a 50/50 split can produce include:

• Disruption of routines threatens a child’s sense of security.
• Conflict for the child if the parents have a contentious relationship and must see each other frequently for exchanges.
• Logistical challenges, especially when the parents do not live close to one another or have different work schedules.
• School issues occur when a book, paper, costume, or other absolute necessity is left at the other parent’s home.
• Inadequate financial support, since 50/50 parenting time reduces or eliminates child support payments.

Frequent Transitions Can Cause Emotional Distress in Children

Children who frequently move between their parents' homes can experience stress, anxiety, depression, and confusion. If parents are set on a 50/50 split, they should ensure that discipline, rules, and expectations are consistent from one home to the other.

If the parents live close enough to one another, they should encourage their children to engage in social activities with friends in both households. This will encourage a sense of continuity regarding the children’s social interactions.

A child’s academic success in a 50/50 parental time split requires a unified approach in which both parents are active participants in school activities. School responsibilities, homework, and academic goals should be consistent and should receive the same level of support from both parents.

This includes having a dedicated place in each home for studying, which includes all necessary school supplies. It is generally easier for parents and children to have two sets of everything pertaining to school, so children do not experience stress from having to remember to take school items back and forth.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Lawyer

Navigating the complexities of a 50/50 split of parental responsibilities and time can be a delicate balancing act that demands a high level of cooperation, commitment, and communication on the part of both parents. It is beneficial to have a Naperville, IL allocation of parental responsibilities attorney from Calabrese Associates, P.C. as your advocate. Attorney Michael Calabrese frequently lectures on family law-related issues and is a former chair of the DuPage County Bar Association Family Law Committee. Call 630-393-3111 to schedule a meeting.