First, parents should consider the trust level around parenting issues they had during their marriage. Other key considerations are the strength of parents' motivation to make it work, the children's needs and personalities, and the practical and financial situation of the family. Research points to the conclusion that the parents' emotional adjustment before the divorce may be the best predictor of how each will behave afterwards, regardless of the type of custody. Ironically, it appears that children whose parents are in less conflict will fare best in either arrangement. Arrangements are planned around the children's needs and developmental requirements.
Schedules are predictable and stable but flexible enough to change when circumstances dictate it.
Parents live in physical proximity. Parents are careful to support and not undermine each other, regardless of their own feelings. Financial resources are available to maintain two full residences. Divorce mediation offers the best structure for discussing and negotiating both large and small details of the parenting agreement. Mediators are specially trained to help couples learn to communicate in the business-like way they will need to make joint custody work.