Alabama runs in the middle of the pack when it comes to allowing shared parenting, which may be enough of a foundation to make sure your children are looking at a brighter future.
The National Parents Organization (NPO) awarded Alabama a C- when looking at support for shared parenting. The grade was one of 25 C’s given out, while only nine states and the District of Columbia scored higher. The report looks at legislation on a state-by-state basis to see which bodies promote, allow or repress shared parenting.
Making the grade
NPO makes this report from the grounds that children that have two fully-engaged parents are better off developmentally. Children from a single-parent home make up 71% of high school dropouts, 85% of those in prison and 90% of runaway children.
Keeping both parents involved in a child’s life can be essential to their upbringing. While a C- may not seem like the strongest grade, it can give you sound footing to make sure you’re continually involved in your children’s life.
Selection process
Alabama looks to act in the best interest of the child, and you can show them how that lies in shared parenting:
- Pitching in: Show your to-date knowledge and contributions to your children’s lives. Making important decisions regarding their medical care, helping to plan for the future and showing you’re able to provide for them on a daily basis can all help your case.
- Recommendations: Your desire to be a part of your children’s lives and your willingness to work with their other parent can certainly come into play. Make sure you show you’re open to other ideas, ready to collaborate and can find common ground when crafting a parenting plan.
- Location: Where you live can play a part in the decision. Your proximity to other members of the family and their school could be under consideration by the judge. Safety can also play a role. If you live in a less-desirable part of town, or the building you live in poses a danger, then it could count against you.
Knowing the risks and requirements is the first step toward getting an equal share of parenting time. Understand the process, and it could make a world of difference for your children.
