Children need two parents and equal time

In the revised statutes of the state of Missouri, Domestic Relations 452.375, it states there should be no preference to awarding custody because of age or sex of child and no preference because of parent's age, sex or financial status. This same statute also declares that frequent, continuing and meaningful contact with both parents is in the best interest of the child.

Yet most judgments in Southeast Missouri contested divorce cases end up with the father getting a Schedule J and the mother getting the bulk of time with the child. Under this schedule, fathers are legally reduced to the frustrating and demeaning level of visitor. This contributes to family stress, deprives children the right to two parents, encourages post-divorce litigation, weakens ties with grandparents and other family members and exacerbates parental alienation.

Absent abuse, drugs or neglect, the starting point in any custody battle must be 50/50 joint legal, physical and residential custody. This ensures the continuity and quality of the child's relationship with both parents and their extended families. A growing and substantial body of research has found more positive outcomes for children who live with both parents a significant amount of time. There are so many benefits and advantages to joint residence, but space will not allow here.

If anyone wants to learn more or help out with our efforts, please go to MO4SharedParenting.com or to our Facebook page. There is also a link to a White House petition for civil rights in family law. Also working to reform family law are nationalparentsorganization.org, lw4sp.org, as well as a plethora of other organizations that see this as a monumental civil rights issue. It is obvious. Children need both parents. It's in their DNA!

Susie Coomer is a Cape Girardeau County resident and is involved in the statewide Shared Parenting Initiative.