Does shared parenting provide equal custody?

In the state of Washington, shared parenting does not necessarily provide equal custody. Shared parenting means that both parents have the right to have a significant role in the lives of their children and the legal responsibility to provide them with financial support, care, and emotional support. However, the court will decide how much physical time each parent spends with the children, and this can be difficult and may not end up being equal. Washington State’s Child Custody Division of the Department of Social and Health Services recommends that both parents be given an equal legal right to share the parenting responsibility by outlining a detailed parenting plan that outlines each parent’s role and responsibility. This plan can include information such as who will make decisions related to the child’s healthcare, education, and religion, as well as a schedule of who will be responsible for taking care of the child on a day-to-day basis. The court will also consider the best interests of the children, so the schedule may not always be equal. Although shared parenting does not guarantee equal custody, it is still encouraged if both parents are able to provide a stable home and environment for their children. The best arrangement is one that is created with the children’s best interests in mind and provides adequate support and balanced time to both parents. The family courts in Washington will determine the best plan for the children, after considering the needs of the children, the wishes of the parents, and other factors.

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Does shared parenting provide equal custody?

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