The History of Child Custody Arrangements

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1 Nikie Bodenbender Southern New Hampshire University PSY 205 Teaonna Watson January 28, 2024 Short Paper: The History of Child Custody Arrangements

2 The history of child custody arrangements has evolved over time. Initially, the legal doctrine of "tender years" favored mothers as the primary caregivers (Klaff, R. L., 1982). In the late 19th century, a shift occurred, and paternal rights gained recognition. The 20th century saw a move towards joint custody, emphasizing the child's best interests. The Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act (UMDA) in the 1970s promoted joint custody options (Kelly, 1994). Today, courts prioritize the child's well-being, considering factors like stability and parental involvement when determining custody arrangements. Several cultural changes have influenced the evolution of child custody arrangements in the United States, impacting legal perspectives and shaping societal norms. Cultural shifts in the latter half of the 20th century challenged traditional gender roles, altering the perception that mothers were inherently better caregivers. This change contributed to a more equitable consideration of both parents in custody decisions (Kelly 1994). The feminist movement advocated for gender equality, influencing legal and social attitudes toward parenting. It played a crucial role in challenging stereotypes and promoting the idea that fathers could be just as capable caregivers as mothers (Silverstein, L. B. 1996). Cultural attitudes shifted towards recognizing the importance of the child's well-being above all else. The "best interests of the child" standard became a guiding principle in custody decisions, ensuring that arrangements prioritized the child's emotional, physical, and developmental needs. Broader cultural shifts in the 1960s and 1970s towards emphasizing individual rights and personal autonomy influenced custody arrangements (Dinner, D. 2016). This led to a reevaluation of traditional family structures and a recognition of the rights of each parent in the post-divorce family dynamic. Increasing acceptance of diverse family structures,

3 including blended families, single-parent households, and same-sex couples, has contributed to a more inclusive and adaptable approach to child custody arrangements. Courts are now more attuned to crafting solutions that fit the unique circumstances of each family. These cultural changes have collectively influenced legal norms, encouraging a more nuanced, child-focused, and inclusive approach to child custody arrangements in the United States. Current trends in child custody arrangements in the United States reflect a move towards shared parenting. Courts increasingly prioritize joint custody, aiming to involve both parents in the child's life when feasible (Steinbach, A. 2019). The emphasis remains on the child's best interests, considering factors such as stability, parental involvement, and the child's preferences if they are of sufficient age. Flexible and customized arrangements are becoming more common, recognizing that one size does not fit all. Mediation and alternative dispute resolution methods are also gaining popularity to encourage cooperative decision- making between parents. Overall, the focus is on fostering healthy parent-child relationships and providing a supportive environment for the child's well-being.

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4 References: Dinner, D. (2016). The Divorce Bargain: The Fathers’ Rights Movement and Family Inequalities. Virginia Law Review, 102(1), 79–152 https://ezproxy.snhu.edu/login? url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=edshol&AN=edshol.hein.journals.valr102.5&site=eds-live&scope=site Kelly, J. B. (1994). The Determination of Child Custody. The Future of Children, 4(1), 121– 142. https://ezproxy.snhu.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=edsjsr&AN=edsjsr.10.2307.1602481&site=eds-live&scope=site Klaff, R. L. (1982). The Tender Years Doctrine: A Defense. California Law Review, 70(2), 335–372. https://ezproxy.snhu.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=edsjsr&AN=edsjsr.10.2307.3480178&site=eds-live&scope=site Silverstein, L. B. (1996). Fathering is a feminist issue. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 20(1), 3. https://ezproxy.snhu.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=asn&AN=9603272448&site=eds-live&scope=site Steinbach, A. (2019). Children’s and Parents’ Well-Being in Joint Physical Custody: A Literature Review. Family Process, 58(2), 353 https://ezproxy.snhu.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=edsggo&AN=edsgcl.587639842&site=eds-live&scope=site

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