ABSTRACT

This multidisciplinary volume offers an essential, comprehensive study of perspectives on the scope and application of the best interests of the child and focuses mainly on its application in relation to child custody.

With expert contributions from psychological, sociological and legal perspectives, it offers scientific analysis and debate on whether it should be the primary consideration in deciding child custody cases in cases of divorce or separation or whether it should be one of several primary considerations. It explores complex dilemmas inherent in shared parenting and whether the advantages it offers children are sufficient when compared to attributing custody to one parent and limiting visitation rights of the other. Offering a comprehensive analysis of this complex topic, chapters provide detailed insight into the current state of research in this area, as well as expert guidelines aimed at resolving the controversies when parents agree or disagree over their children’s living arrangements. Cutting-edge topics explored include: transnational shared parenting; alternative dispute resolution; breastfeeding parents; religious disputes between parents and the psychological, social and economic factors that affect shared parenting.

The Routledge International Handbook of Shared Parenting and Best Interest of the Child will be essential reading for scholars and graduate students in law, psychology, sociology and economics interested in shared parenting and family law.

part I|142 pages

Best interest of the child and shared parenting

chapter 2|13 pages

Shared parenting

Twelve experts exchange views in panel discussions 1

chapter 3|11 pages

Joint versus sole physical custody

Which is best for children?

chapter 4|12 pages

Best interest of the child

“A” or “the” primary consideration?

chapter 6|17 pages

When children’s rights are undermined in the name of the ‘best interests of the child’

Switzerland’s long road to child-centred custody legislation

chapter 7|11 pages

Rights and guarantees of unaccompanied minors

Researching the best interest of the child principle in the Spanish welfare state 1

chapter 8|11 pages

The right of parents to ensure the religious and moral education of their children

Parental conflicts—an analysis of Spanish case law

part II|76 pages

Socioeconomic profile of shared parenting

chapter 12|13 pages

Legislation and family

Divorce and granting of custody

chapter 14|15 pages

Factors that affect judicial decisions in relocation cases

Bridging the gap between the empirical evidence and socio-legal practice

chapter 17|9 pages

Having additional children

Should the state regulate family relations?

part III|74 pages

Shared parenting and parental alienation

part V|117 pages

Recent evolution of shared parenting in a comparative scenario

chapter 29|14 pages

What happens when there is presumptive 50/50 parenting time?

An evaluation of Arizona’s new child custody statute 1

chapter 31|6 pages

Meeting their parents

A right always ignored for divorce-affected minors

chapter 33|5 pages

Divorce and loss of paternal contact

A perspective from Norway