1. They have an easy to follow schedule.

2. They are never long away from either parent.

3. Children get to consistently enjoy activities and relationship with each parent.

4. Their parents fight less.

5. Children raised in shared parenting arrangements have a reduced risk for mental health issues as adults compared to children raised by a single parent.

6. Children are saved from the tremendous stress and confusion involved in custody and access litigation.

1. They have an easy to follow schedule.

2.  The schedule lets each parent have consistent time with their children allowing the parent to:

• Schedule the children in activities without concern for the other parent's schedule.
• Arrange babysitting that is consistent each week.
• Arrange their childcare and employment schedule in a manner that is consistent.

3. The schedule lets each parent have consistent time without children allowing the parent to:

• Take night classes to advance their education
• Join social, community or sports groups
• Schedule work consistently without weekly rotations and changes

4. Parents who have shared custody instead of being single parents having higher standards of living, attain more advanced education and are generally happier.

5. Parents save themselves from the tremendous waste of resources involved in custody and access litigation.

1. Saving on the massive costs and waste of custody and access litigation.

2. Having parents, workers, students and volunteers who have regular and predictable child care schedules.

3. The schedule allows community groups to plan activities (for example recreational sports, clubs, etc.) that respect children's residential schedules.

4. The community enjoys the benefits of more productive parents and healthier children.

All aspects of a child's life is impacted by the schedules of their family, their schools, their friends' families, their piano teacher, their doctor, and so on. Providing a child with a workable schedule that allows him or her a consistent daily and weekly routine helps create order for the child and reduces conflict between the child's parents.

Currently, when separated parents are faced with developing a parenting schedule they are starting at ground zero and left to "re-invent the wheel". More often than not, their own personal schedules for work and life are in flux as well. How can they possibly negotiate a reasonable schedule for their children when there is so much unknown in their future?

The Fair Parenting Schedule provides a framework for separated parents to raise their children to develop and grow while facilitating each family member's potential to pursue their own useful, fulfilling, useful and autonomous life pursuits. Other decisions, however, become individual decisions for each household; including such things as birthday parties, hobbies, and other weekly activities.

Who makes major decisions for the child?

Both parents must make major decisions jointly. However, with the Fair Parenting Schedule, it is usually the rare decision that requires a joint decision between the parents. For example, changes in school, major medical/dental decisions, enrolment in competitive sports - these are issues that the parents will have to make a decision about together. These are sometimes difficult decisions for any family and just like an intact family, a separated family may have to consult professionals for assistance, opinions and guidance.

Legal & Privacy Notes