{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"It’s All Your Fault: High Conflict People","title":"The Great Custody Debate: Sole vs. Joint in High Conflict Divorces","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1641,"description":"Is Sole Custody Ever Warranted Over Joint Custody?In this episode, Bill and Megan dive into the controversial topic of sole custody versus joint custody in divorce and child custody matters. They aim to answer the question: Is sole custody ever warranted, or is the principle of equal time with both parents always the best policy?Presumptions for Joint Custody vs. Sole CustodyBill explains that throughout the United States and most industrialized countries, there's a belief that both parents should be significantly involved with the children, generally called joint physical custody. However, he emphasizes that 80% of divorcing and separating parents don't use the courts to make their parenting decisions, as they're able to do it on their own. Sole custody, on the other hand, is only considered when there's a problem, such as when a parent has a personality disorder or exhibits high conflict behavior.The Impact of Personality Disorders on ChildrenBill discusses the impact of personality disorders on children, citing research that shows children exposed to a parent with a personality disorder without the benefit of another parent to soften that can experience emotional difficulties six times higher. In these cases, having sole custody with a more reasonable parent may be necessary for the child's mental health. However, Bill believes that children should still have some contact with both parents, even if it's limited.Navigating High Conflict Custody CasesMegan and Bill explore how a parent being dragged into court or reported to child services can navigate these situations. They emphasize the need for courts to be more aware of the presence and dynamics of personality disorders and the lack of change in these individuals. Bill also cautions against putting the decision-making responsibility on the children, as it can be a terrible idea to put them in that position.Questions we answer in this episode:Is sole custody ever warranted, or is joint custody always the best...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/mMyRt1KE9ifhcy6s5OCZZIHSa3HFTTLMyzXMa0kp8z4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzMzMTkxLzE2NjA0/MTU5MjAtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}