Joint custody is increasing across Europe, but there are differences between countries

In a significant change When it comes to family dynamics after a divorce, joint custody, in which children spend almost an equal amount of time with each parent, has become increasingly common in Europe over the last two decades. However, a study conducted by researchers at the INVEST research center and flagship of the University of Turku has revealed notable differences in the prevalence of this regulation in different European countries.

The team, incl Mia Hakovirta, Milla Salin, Eija LindroosAnd Mari Haapanenexamined the prevalence of shared custody in Europe and defined it as an arrangement in which children spend at least a third of their time with each parent. According to Professor Mia Hakovirta, a social work expert, their results show that 12.5% ​​of children from separated families in Europe live with both parents equally, 8.2% spend 10-14 nights per month with one parent and the rest with the other parent, a remarkable 79.3% live predominantly with one parent.

Previous studies have shown that shared custody has a positive impact on the well-being of parents and children. It is observed to improve cooperation and reduce conflict between parents after separation. In addition, shared custody is associated with better socioemotional and psychological well-being in children and has been shown to increase mothers' well-being and life satisfaction.

Despite the growing trend, the study shows significant differences in the prevalence of shared custody across European countries. The agreement that a child spends equal time with both parents is most common in Sweden, where 42.5% of children live equally with both parents. Finland follows with 23.8% of children in such institutions. In contrast, joint custody is least common in countries such as the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania, Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Austria, where only a few percent of children spend equal time with both parents.

The study also shows that living predominantly with one parent is more common among the youngest (0-5 years) and oldest (16-17 years) children, with corresponding rates of 84.8% and 82.5%, respectively. Joint legal custody is most common among school-age children.

This research sheds light on the evolving nature of custody arrangements in Europe and highlights the shift towards more balanced parenting after divorce, as well as the differences in the adoption of these arrangements across European countries.

HT