New Jersey Shared Custody: Benefits and Drawbacks

The ultimate intended purpose of New Jersey shared custody is to permit children the best possible opportunity to have strong relationships with both parents during and following a divorce. Understanding that there are definite benefits to shared custody in New Jersey when it comes to protecting and advancing the best interests of the children, this type of custodial arrangement is not without challenges as well. With this in mind, we take a moment to discuss the benefits as well as drawbacks of New Jersey shared custody.

Benefits of Shared Custody

Stronger Parent–Child Relationships

As noted a moment ago, New Jersey shared custody ensures that children continue to have consistent, meaningful contact with both parents. This type of arrangement is designed to reduce the sense of loss that children often feel following divorce. New Jersey shared custody allows each parent to maintain an active role in the child’s development. As was also mentioned previously, New Jersey law emphasizes the child’s best interests. The best interests of children in divorce include fostering strong ties with both parents whenever as a matter of practice and routine.

Balanced Parenting Responsibilities

Under a shared custody arrangement in the Garden State, parenting duties such as school drop-offs, medical appointments, extracurricular activities, and discipline are divided more equitably. This balance is intended to aid in preventing one parent from feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, while the other becomes more engaged in the child’s life. The theory is that children also benefit from seeing both parents take equal responsibility for their upbringing.

Greater Stability for Children

Although divorce inherently disrupts a child’s routine (and life, for that matter), shared custody can create a sense of stability. Instead of feeling as though one parent has been lost, children recognize that both remain integral to their lives. This level of parental consistency often supports:

• Emotional well-being
• Reduces anxiety
• Helps children adjust more smoothly

Encouragement of Cooperative Co-Parenting

Shared custody in New Jersey requires parents to communicate regularly and coordinate on matters affecting their children. While this can be difficult initially in many cases, over time it often fosters:

• More constructive communication
• Less conflict
• Healthier long-term co-parenting relationships

Fairness and Parental Satisfaction

Parents often feel more respected and satisfied when the custody arrangement or order recognizes each of them as equally important figures in the lives of their children. Shared custody affirms the value of both parents. Shared custody is intended to work to reduce the resentment that can arise when one parent is granted significantly more parenting time. In the long run, this sense of fairness can make compliance with custody orders smoother and reduce ongoing disputes.

Drawbacks of Shared Custody

Logistical Challenges

Shared custody in New Jersey frequently requires children to move between two households more frequently than under some other custodial arrangements. Even when parents live in close proximity, managing two sets of clothes, school supplies, sports equipment, and personal belongings can become a source of stress. In some instances, the potential for recurring (some would say constant) back-and-forth may disrupt children’s routines and create organizational difficulties for parents.

Higher Financial Costs

You do need to bear in mind that maintaining two child-friendly households can be an expensive proposition. Each parent must provide appropriate housing, furniture, clothes, and other necessities. In New Jersey, where the cost of living can already be relatively high, shared custody can strain finances. Parents may also face additional childcare or transportation expenses associated with coordinating two separate homes.

Potential for Conflict Between Parents

Heightened co-parenting is an objective associated with shared custody, as we discussed previously. Although shared custody can encourage cooperation, in some cases, it also has the potential to magnify conflict. Parents who struggle to communicate or harbor resentment may find frequent interaction stressful. Disputes over scheduling, decision-making, or financial contributions can place children in the middle of ongoing conflict, undermining the intended benefits of the arrangement.

Disruption to the Child’s Routine

In some instances, shared custody aids in protecting a child’s routine. However, in some cases and for some children, moving between two homes can feel disruptive or confusing. Sleep schedules, meal habits, and school routines may vary between households. Younger children, in particular, may struggle with the lack of a single, consistent home base. While many children eventually adapt, the adjustment period can be emotionally taxing.

Geographic Limitations and Reduced Flexibility

Finally, shared custody typically works best when parents live in relatively close proximity. If one parent needs to relocate for work, education, or some other reasons, maintaining a shared custody schedule can become challenging or even nearly impossible. Courts in New Jersey carefully weigh relocation requests because moving away can dramatically alter custody arrangements. Shared custody also reduces parental flexibility, as both must coordinate schedules to meet custody obligations, sometimes at the expense of career advancement or personal freedom. If you have questions concerning shared child custody, call the Law Offices of Peter Van Aulen at 201-845-7400 for a free consultation.