Leveraging power is often the goal of one spouse or both spouses in high conflict relationships. When a history of abuse is present, joint custody only allows the abusing spouse to continue exertingChild Custody with Allen Gabe Law, P.C. power over the other spouse and the children.
Two primary reasons make joint custody unadvisable in circumstances where high conflict couples engage in abuse. First, when children side with the abusive parent and learn aggressive tendencies, the cycle of abuse is likely to be perpetuated. Second, joint custody re-victimizes the spouse.