• Joint physical custody allows children to spend a relatively equal amount of time with each parent in their respective residences.  However, the time may not be equally split.
• Joint legal custody where the medical, educational, religious and other decisions and responsibilities regarding the children are shared.
• Both joint legal and joint physical custody.  This arrangement is sometimes referred to as Shared Parenting, which involves a cooperative, parenting plan-based structure.

There are some reasons that joint custody does not work.  Children who are shuffled around, used as parental pawns, or have parents that do not cooperate can suffer negative and lasting effects.  However, when parents are committed and cooperative, children are raised in a supportive and respectful environment.

Many parents find "Parenting Plans" a valuable tool in resolving custody issues and defining provisions for custody and visitation.  A parenting plan is a binding contract that is mandatory in many states.  The plan addresses child-related expense distribution, decision-making, schedules and plans,
education and also considers how parents will handle future disagreements and plan modification.  Parenting plans are most successful when developed through expert and sensitive mediation.

A properly drafted parenting plan eliminates misunderstandings, miscommunication and misconceptions.  The plan enables the children to smoothly transition between households, providing them with the security of knowing where they will be and with whom.  The plan will evolve to meet the
demands of changing situations and the children's growth and independence. Holidays, vacations and special days such as birthdays and Mother's Day are considered.  When developing a parenting plan, other important considerations include:

• Residence - where will the children live and will there be any shared arrangements?
• Respect - the children must always respect the absent parent and be aware that their parents support each other in their efforts to cooperatively raise them.
• Contact - when children are at one parent's residence, where and at what times will the children have contact with the other parent?
• Authority - while the child is with the other parent, the
  separated parent must be willing to give authority and trust that the children have excellent physical, mental and emotional care.
• Specific issues including welfare, care and development, religion, education and sports are important issues that require planning.

Joint custody requires effective and collaborative co-parenting.  The child' s care, love, safety and security are the basis for the parents' continuing relationship.  Children are able to maintain a continuing bond with both parents, and enjoy the anticipation of time spent with each parent.  A well-drafted parenting plan helps parents to cooperate and children to reap the benefits of growing up in a peaceful, well-adjusted environment - even
though it means living in two separate homes.  And like any successful partnership, joint custody offers the challenges and rewards that come from planning, hard work and self-sacrifice.