Can A Father Achieve 50/50 Custody In Court?

In a recent report released by the Washington State Center for Court Research on February 10, 2023, the question of “What are the chances of a father gaining a 50/50 split in parenting time?” was explored. The report revealed that in approximately 21 percent of the cases examined, parents were able to achieve an equal 50/50 division of parenting time, representing the most commonly reported arrangement. However, in nearly two-thirds of all the cases analyzed, children ended up spending more of their residential time with their mothers. This suggests that while shared parenting arrangements are not uncommon, a majority of cases still result in children primarily residing with their mothers.

“What type of custody is best for a child? When determining the ideal custody arrangement for a child, it’s essential to consider their best interests. One commonly favored option by the courts is joint legal custody, provided it aligns with the child’s welfare. Joint legal custody offers the advantage of allowing children to experience balanced influence from both parents, ensuring they have the opportunity to grow up with the support and involvement of both parents in their lives.”