Neither the attitudes of society or family courts have caught up to the increased role fathers have taken in their children’s development and upbringing (Rafii, 2021).
Evidence shows that after a divorce, only 20% of fathers receive shared custody of their children. Having adequate contact with their father lowers kid’s risk of future suicide, running away from home, trauma, engaging in criminal behaviour, aggression, and teenage pregnancy. Furthermore, it has been shown that children with meaningful access to their fathers lower their risk for mental health challenges.
This said, child psychologists and other experts recommend that equal shared custody arrangements are in the best interest of children.