Linda Nielsen Wake Forest University In the international debates on custody law reform and in individual custody decisions in families and in courts worldwide, social science research is often misused and abused. In this article I describe the process by which data can become distorted in ways that steer policymakers, family court personnel, and parents off course in regard …
LINDA NIELSEN Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA In the debate over parenting plans for infants and toddlers, a cen- tral question is whether these very young children should spend overnight time away from their mothers in their fathers’ care. This article summarizes and critiques the 11 empirical studies that have addressed this question. …
LINDA NIELSEN Department of Education, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA One of the most complex and compelling issues confronting poli- cymakers, parents, and professionals involved in making custody decisions is this: What type of parenting plan is most beneficial for the children after their parents separate? More specifically, are the outcomes any better or worse for children …
BY DR. LINDA NIELSEN CHARACTERISTICS OF SHARED PARENTING FATHERS An issue raised in regard to shared parenting is that these fathers are somehow “better” than other fathers to begin with. If this is true, then whatever benefi ts are associated with shared parenting might have accrued even if these children had lived mainly with their mothers. To my knowledge, no …
DR. LINDA NIELSEN Part I of this two-part article focuses on major concerns relating to shared residential custody, the children’s perspective, parental confl ict, and cooperation and income. Part II will discuss characteristics of fathers, outcomes for children (e.g., academic and behavioral), and stability of shared parenting. The studies referenced in both parts appear at the end of Part I.
Do not try to micro manage the other parent’s time and relationship with the children during visitation. It is not up to you, even if you have custody of the children, what they may or may not do when together unless there is an actual danger or harm to the children objectively speaking, not in your opinion. In such a …
Your lawyer gives you advise to protect you from your adversary and the Court. Sometimes, you need to be protected from yourself as well. But if you are paying your lawyer the big bucks, there is a reason for it. You should listen to what your lawyer tells you and follow the advise. If you are not sure if its …
There is a difference between fit custodial parenting and negligent guardianship. A parent who does not make their own child’s safety primary could be guilty of parental neglect or inadequate guardianship. Not being in a pool with your child when your young child is in the pool could be one such instance. Sitting or standing out of the pool socializing …
When we go through a divorce, child custody proceeding, and/or a domestic violence case, we should NOT litigate it on social media. Leave all ligation to the lawyers and the courtroom. You’d be surprised how often what you post is printed out and used against people in court. Further, you alienate your own friends and family by doing so. The …
In short, a model custodial parent always: encourages a good relationship between the children and the other parent; never bad mouths the other parent; includes the other parent in all major decisions concerning the children whether required or not; keeps the other parent informed on all issues concerning the child(ren). What is an unfit custodial parent?
