Co-parenting after a separation or divorce in New Jersey can be emotionally taxing. One common arrangement is alternating-week co-parenting, where each parent has the child for one week at a time. While this arrangement may work well for some families, there are several arguments against it.

Spending time away from one parent

One of the main arguments against alternating week co-parenting child custody is that it can be difficult for children to adjust to spending long periods away from one parent. Children may feel like they are constantly saying goodbye to one parent and may struggle to form strong relationships with both parents. Furthermore, some children may feel like they are living two separate lives with different rules, routines and expectations.

Parent involvement in the child’s life

Parents who only see their children for one week at a time may miss important events, milestones and daily experiences. This can make it challenging for parents to provide consistent and meaningful support to their children.

Financial considerations

If a parent has the child for most of the time, they may be responsible for most of the expenses related to the child’s care. This can create financial strain and may lead to conflict between parents.

Strain on parent schedules

Finally, alternating week co-parenting can be challenging for parents who live far apart or who have demanding work schedules. If parents live far apart, it may be difficult to transport the child back and forth each week. If one parent has a demanding work schedule, they may struggle to balance their work responsibilities with their parenting responsibilities during their week with the child.

Making the right choice for children

While alternating week co-parenting may work well for some families, there are several arguments against it. It can be challenging for children to adjust to spending long periods away from one parent, and it can be difficult for parents to stay involved in their child’s life. Ultimately, the best co-parenting arrangement will depend on each family’s unique needs and circumstances, and it is vital to find a solution that works best for everyone involved.