CLICK HERE FOR RESEARCH: Bender PhD lists in his Abstract his seven reasons why Joint Custody is the preferred option: (1) Non-custodial parents are often intentionally victimized and children are hurt when the relationship with either parent is broken in that manner; (2) Children adjust much better to divorce in joint custody compared to sole custody situations; (3) Children's attachment bonds to both parents are essential for healthy development, and those bonds should be protected by the courts; (4) Joint custody leads to much higher compliance with financial child support obligations; (5) Mothers are much better adjusted and supported more in joint custody situations; (6) Litigation and re-itigation is lower in states which have a presumption for joint custody; (7) Joint custody is the preferred option in high conflict situations, because it helps reduce the conflict over time- and that is in the best interests of children.
