I would also like to see some of the research on this
topic. Please post to the list.
I would like to see information about how “joint” only works
if the parents are willing to make it work.
Gary – this is my exact situation: “However, a parenting plan that is somehow
equalized in terms of
the proportion of time with either parent, but where animosity reigns and is
structurally
difficult to implement, creates havoc for the children impacting on
social-behavioural outcomes.”
Dad is trying to get joint custody (this is a modification),
but he constantly undermines mom and quite frankly, I think is really only
doing this as a way to lower his child support payments and to continue to have
“control” over his ex. Mom’s contention
all along has been “we can’t get along with the current set-up (typical
every-other weekend), how on earth does he think it will work for us to go week
on/week off?”
I have suggested, and they are now trying, counseling for
the children (ages 8 and 10) and I have suggested co-parenting counseling for
them. At the first appointment, the
counselor for the children told them if they aren’t willing to try to get
along, then they are wasting everyone’s time. And just to illustrate the
manipulation that Dad imposes, Mom set up the appointment, but Dad had to call
and talk to the counselor for 45 minutes before the appointment (w/o telling
Mom he was doing this) so he can try to get her on his side. He does this with
everything.
So please, continue to discuss all sides of this topic on
the list.
Thank you!
Melanie
Melanie L. Francis, Esq.
Murrin & Wallace, LLC
1875 Old Alabama Road
Suite 230
Roswell, GA 30076
P (404) 221-0777
F (404) 221-0904
http://www.murrinandwallace.com/ ;
