On Wed, 19 Nov 2003 17:53:45 -0700, Bob wrote:

They ought to just give up violating the child's rights by forcing
custody to either parent.

Well, I agree with that and the research on joint custody and shared
parenting supports that it is best for the children. But note the
caveat.

http://members.tripod.com/~mdcrc/jcbib.html

Research on Shared Parenting and Joint Custody

Joint custody and shared parenting (i.e., joint physical
and legal custody) have been studied for more than a
quarter-century, with the majority of studies indicating
significant benefits for children. About a third of
existing studies show no difference between joint and
sole custody for children's adjustment to divorce.

************************************************** ***********
The critical factor appears to be conflict between parents.

************************************************** ************

When parents cooperate and minimize conflict, children
do better with shared parenting/joint physical custody. If
there is significant conflict between parents, however,
shared parenting provides no benefits and children do
no better (and no worse) than they do in sole custody.


--
Dorothy

There is no sound, no cry in all the world
that can be heard unless someone listens ..

The Outer Limits