Divorce is often hardest on the youngest members of a Virginia family, especially when the two parents cannot agree on how to share parenting time and responsibilities. Child custody is a sensitive topic, and it is not easy to come to a final agreement, frequently leaving the court to decide. There is widespread agreement that it is best when parents share custody of a child to allow the child to maintain strong relationships with both parents. However, there are some who prefer to still give primary custody to the mother.
Mothers are not necessarily any better parents than fathers are, even when the children are young. When a custody order disrupts the relationship between a father and his children, it is not just the father who suffers. Young children, even infants, are capable for forming strong bonds with their fathers, and a lopsided custody agreement can do significant emotional damage to the kids.
When parents live together, most fathers have a hands-on role in the lives of their kids. For example, dads help with bath time, feedings, homework, dinner preparation and bedtime routines. Mothers are not the only parent capable of nurturing the kids and caring for their every need. It is not reasonable to assume that fathers have to cease in this role simply because of a separation or divorce.
Parents in Virginia going through divorce may want to consider if it is best to share custody of a child. It is beneficial for the children to have access to both parents and maintain both of these important relationships. This is possible through a divorce order that is fair to both the father and mother.
