Joint custody sets the stage for the parents to be involved in the lives of their children. Raising children is a full time responsibility. Joint custody allows for that responsibility to be shared without over burdening one parent, as often happens in sole custody, or by not giving enough responsibility as may occur with the visiting parent. Parents have different assets that are important to their children. Joint custody allows parents to combine their child-rearing skills and more completely meet the needs of their children.
Joint custody requires an ongoing plan for the everyday care that fosters stability.
Both parents have a right and a responsibility to make decisions affecting their children. It is that sense of responsibility that strengthens the ongoing attachment between parents and children. Joint custody is not for parents who are locked in intense conflict and are unable to find a reasonable way of working together. Counseling may be necessary to develop an environment for cooperation. Joint custody is not workable when parents are using it to meet their personal needs and are unwilling to consider the needs of their children.