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New Albany, OH 614-721-7726
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Columbus, OH 614-360-2942
New Albany, OH 614-721-7726
Toll Free   888-641-0805

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How to prepare for a divorce

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Study shows that joint custody may be less stressful for Ohio kids

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Research suggests that children may experience less stress and associated health issues after divorce if their parents share custody.

Even when divorce is handled smoothly and with minimal conflict, the associated upheaval can be highly stressful for children. As many parents in Columbus know, it can also be difficult for children to adjust to custody arrangements and other aspects of life after divorce. Encouragingly, though, new research suggests that shared parenting arrangements may help reduce stress for children during this challenging time.

Minimizing stress after divorce

During the study, which was published in The Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, researchers considered data collected from nearly 150,000 students. The Swedish students were all either twelve or fifteen years old. The researchers tracked several health problems that can be aggravated by stress and mental factors, including:

  • Sleep and appetite disturbances
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Feelings of anxiety or depression

The participants who lived with their married parents reported the lowest number of these psychosomatic health conditions. The children who spent time living with both divorced parents were the second least likely group to experience these issues. Children who only lived with one parent after divorce reported substantially more health problems.

The researchers suggested a few reasons for these findings. Sharing custody may allow parents to maintain stronger relationships with their children and stay more involved. Children may also benefit from being exposed to more resources, such as family members and social groups, while living with two parents. Of course, the ideal arrangement may vary between families, but these findings suggest that joint custody may offer benefits for many children.

Seeking joint custody

In Ohio, state law holds that parents are equally entitled to rights and responsibilities regarding their children. Divorcing parents have a right to submit their own shared parenting plans for approval in family law court. Family law judges also may order joint custody, if this arrangement appears to be in the best interests of the child.

In general, judges may consider various factors to identify the arrangement that most benefits each child. The preferences of the child and both parents may be taken into account. Each parent’s health, financial standing and ability to cooperate with custody or visitation orders may also be weighed. Additionally, a judge may evaluate factors such as the location of both residences and the ability of both parents to work together cooperatively.

Despite its benefits, shared custody is not a guaranteed outcome when custody orders are determined in family law court. Therefore, parents who are interested in this arrangement may benefit from working with a family law attorney. An attorney may be able to help a parent create a reasonable shared parenting plan or protect his or her parental rights during the divorce proceedings.

Keywords: divorce, children, custody

Amy M. Levine
View Profile

Our Latest Blog Posts

How to prepare for a divorce

Divorce can be a scary prospect for Ohio residents. However, preparation can help alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty that come with it. Taking the right steps in preparing for divorce will get you through this difficult time. Understanding the law The first...

How Chapter 7 bankruptcy can give you a fresh financial start

When it feels like the weight of your debts and other payment obligations are keeping you from making any progress in life, it might just feel like you need a fresh start. There is no shame in wishing for a new beginning, so it is absolutely worth considering...

Tips for successful divorce mediation

Mediation is an alternative means to resolve your divorce settlement instead of litigating it in court. With a mediator, you get the benefit of resolving the settlement agreement but you minimize the conflict by eliminating the appearance in court. There are a few...

Things to do before you file bankruptcy

Filing for bankruptcy is a significant decision, especially when you have concerns about the lasting effects on your credit. Unfortunately, many people are unfamiliar enough with the bankruptcy process that they make mistakes as they prepare to file. There are a few...

Why it’s never too early to see a divorce lawyer

Divorce in Ohio is an emotional and challenging time for all involved parties. The decision to seek legal representation might be upsetting, yet it becomes necessary due to various circumstances. The following may help you know when to seek legal help and how it can...

Visit Our Blog

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