It is common for married couples to divide household responsibilities unevenly. Especially once they have children, one spouse may focus on the home and the family, while the other seeks to advance their career and maximize their earning potential.
If the spouses decide to divorce, the higher-earning spouse may feel at a disadvantage during custody negotiations. They may worry that the lack of caregiving experience may influence the courts to limit their time-sharing. High-earning professionals may work overtime. They may travel for their jobs and have inconsistent schedules. Medical professionals might even work overnight.
Might a high-demand career prevent a parent from securing shared custody?
Custody orders reflect family circumstances
Judges settling custody disputes want to do what is best for the children. The law requires that they center the children’s best interests. Typically, that means allowing both parents time with the children and a say in their upbringing.
Judges allocating time-sharing do consider the current dynamic of the family and the schedules of the parents. Even those who work long hours and have irregular schedules can share custody.
While a 50/50 split of parenting time may not be a realistic solution in such cases, it is often possible for parents to share time with their children even when their professions make consistent scheduling a challenge. The inclusion of rules that prioritize flexibility and make-up parenting time can be helpful for those who have high-demand jobs.
Parents who have focused on their careers more than child-rearing still have the option of seeking reasonable allocations of time-sharing. Discussing custody concerns with a legal professional can help parents establish realistic expectations and negotiate for appropriate, child-focused custody terms.