Shared Parenting Research and Legislative Trends
The impact of custody arrangements on children is a critical area of scientific study. To ensure children thrive after a parental split, organizations are focusing on the dissemination of research regarding shared parenting—an arrangement where children spend significant time with both parents—compared to other custody models.
Expert Consensus on Shared Parenting
In a collaborative effort with the International Council on Shared Parenting, a global conference was convened featuring leading researchers. The findings were synthesized in a publication titled "Shared Parenting After Parental Separation: The Views of 12 Experts."
The consensus among these experts highlighted three primary recommendations for legal and social frameworks: first, that shared parenting should be a legal presumption; second, that each parent should be allocated a minimum of 35% of the child's time to ensure the child receives the full benefits of the arrangement; and third, that interparental conflict or one parent's opposition should no longer be sufficient grounds to prevent shared parenting.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Evaluating State Legislation: The Report Cards
To track how laws evolve, the NPO introduced the "Shared Parenting Report Card," which grades state statutes based on whether they promote or inhibit shared parenting after divorce or separation.
The 2014 Assessment
The initial 2014 report revealed a lack of strong legislative support across the United States. The highest grade awarded was a B, given to Alaska, Arizona, and Minnesota. Conversely, New York and Rhode Island received the lowest possible grade of F.
The 2019 Assessment
By 2019, a follow-up report indicated positive momentum. Arizona and Kentucky improved their standing, receiving grades in the A range. Notably, every legislative initiative recorded between 2014 and 2019 was found to be favorable toward shared parenting.
Local Impact: The Ohio Case Study
Beyond state laws, local court guidelines play a pivotal role in determining parenting time when parents cannot reach an agreement. The Ohio NPO chapter conducted targeted evaluations of county-level guidelines.
In 2018, the evaluation found that most counties received a D, as few guidelines promoted equal time. While Ashtabula and Tuscarawas counties earned an A, Van Wert county received an F. This public grading sparked significant discussion among judges and court officials, leading some counties to revise their rules.
A follow-up report in the fall of 2020 showed marked improvement. Six counties moved into the A range, and no counties received an F, demonstrating the effectiveness of data-driven advocacy at the local level.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Expert Threshold: Researchers suggest a minimum of 35% time per parent for shared parenting benefits.
- Legal Presumption: Experts argue shared parenting should be the default legal starting point.
- Legislative Progress: Between 2014 and 2019, all tracked legislative initiatives favored shared parenting.
- Top States (2019): Arizona and Kentucky achieved grades in the A range for their statutes.
- Local Improvement: In Ohio, the number of counties with A-range guidelines increased by 2020, with F grades eliminated.
| Report Year/Region | Highest Rated (A/B) | Lowest Rated (F) | General Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 State Report | Alaska, Arizona, Minnesota (B) | New York, Rhode Island | Low overall promotion |
| 2019 State Report | Arizona, Kentucky (A) | Not specified | Increasingly favorable |
| 2018 Ohio Counties | Ashtabula, Tuscarawas (A) | Van Wert | Mostly poor (D average) |
| 2020 Ohio Counties | Six counties (A range) | None | Significant improvement |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended minimum time for shared parenting?
According to a group of 12 experts, each parent should have at least 35% of the child's time for the child to reap the benefits of shared parenting.
Should parental conflict prevent shared parenting?
The expert consensus suggests that interparental conflict or the opposition of one parent should no longer be used as grounds to preclude or rebut shared parenting arrangements.
Which states have the most supportive shared parenting laws?
As of the 2019 report, Arizona and Kentucky were among the highest-rated states, receiving grades in the A range.
How did the Ohio parenting time reports affect local courts?
The reports generated media attention and discussions among judges and court officials, which led several counties to revise their guidelines to be more equitable.
What was the overall trend in shared parenting legislation between 2014 and 2019?
The trend was positive, with every legislative initiative during that period being favorable toward the promotion of shared parenting.