Employment obviously has a direct impact on an individual’s financial stability and their sense of self-esteem. People derive personal meaning and a sense of pride from their employment. Their ability to grow a family may depend on earning a competitive salary.
Wage-earning parents help ensure that their children have all of the basic necessities and the creature comforts they deserve. However, they may have to commit a significant amount of time to their jobs to earn the best wages possible.
Many working adults worry that their careers could have been impact on their custody arrangements if they divorce or separate from the other parent of the children. Those in high-demand professions and those who work late or irregular shifts may feel particularly concerned.
How can work arrangements potentially affect custody for parents with minor children?
Employment helps prove a stable lifestyle
Judges allocating custody want to ensure that they act in the best interests of the children. They look at employment along with many other factors. A parent with a steady stream of income can readily meet the basic needs of their children, including housing and access to medical care when necessary. While parents without outside employment can secure shared custody, having a job often works in a parent’s favor.
Work demands may require flexibility
Whether parents litigate custody matters or negotiate with each other, work schedules can be an important consideration. For example, perhaps one parent works a third-shift job. They do so to be available during the day and to earn a third-shift premium wage. It is possible for parents to share custody, even in a 50/50 arrangement, when one parent has a demanding job. Their parenting plans simply need to take the scheduling demands of one parent into consideration.
While some parents may worry that a job that requires regular travel or unusual hours could interfere with custody, even airline pilots and emergency room physicians can obtain shared custody with the right planning. Parents typically do not need to choose between preserving their careers and maintaining their bond with their children.
Shared custody arrangements should focus on what is best for the children, including a strong bond with both parents. Employed parents can often provide for their children’s needs and be present regularly with the right arrangements.