Non-Custodial Parents Receive 28.2% of Custody Time in Pennsylvania
June 27, 2018
There is not a lot of data available relaying the amount of time that separated parents have with their children. Custody X Change conducted a first-of-its-kind study and found that parenting time varies dramatically as you cross state lines. Nationwide, a non-custodial parent is likely to receive about 35% of child custody time. See how your state compares below.
Their research was based on each state’s judicial standards and a survey of legal professionals about the visitation schedules they most often see. The study relays the most commonly awarded visitation schedules given to non-custodial parents by state. The percentages reflect cases in which both parents want custody and no extenuating circumstances existed.
The research was carried out from February to May of 2018. The study can be found at the Custody X Change website.
The results showed that in Pennsylvania the non-custodial parent received 28.2% of custody time. The most common regular schedule was every other weekend Friday at 6 pm to Sunday at 6 pm, Tuesdays 2 pm until 7 pm and Thursdays 3 pm until Friday at 8 am.
Research shows that mothers and fathers have different, yet equally important roles in their children’s development and happiness in life. Children who maintain healthy, quality relationships with both their mom and dad following the separation of their parents usually experience better adjustment and more positive rates of development.
Unfortunately, single fathers face biases and barriers in the legal and human services system. This is commonly known and accepted. Studies like these highlight this imbalance, with fathers most often being determined as the non-primary custodial parent.
Parenting is an all-encompassing endeavor under the best of circumstances. It becomes even more challenging when mothers and fathers are not together. Children who do not have both parents actively involved in their lives are at a greater risk of having incomplete childhoods and becoming imbalanced adults. The more we move toward true equity for separated parents, the more likely that their children will have the best chance at being successful in life.
