Shared parenting after separation: A male perspective.

In 2004, over 30,000 children were affected by their parent's divorce. Based on what is deemed in the best interest of the child custody arrangements have evolved over the past 30 years resulting in both parents remaining involved in the life of their child post-divorce. In an attempt to keep both parents involved following a divorce, joint custody is becoming a common custody arrangements. Joint custody can be either joint legal custody or joint physical custody. With joint physical custody or shared parenting, the daily care of and responsibility for the children is shared between the parents. Shared parenting can and does keep families intact following a divorce or separation. It is in the child's best interest to be raised by both parents following a divorce. The case of fathers who were actively co-parenting their children following their divorce was explored through the case study approach. The qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis to reveal the experiences of the five fathers. As a father who was in a shared parenting arrangement for 14 years, my lived experiences are woven throughout the thesis through the process of auto-ethnography. Findings support the view that shared parenting after separation can be a positive experience for children and families following a divorce or separation. Shared parenting is more effective when both parents are able to effectively communicate and co-operate with each other. It also noted that it may not be in the best interest of the child to have on-going relationships with both parents especially in cases where there is violence or abuse against a parent and/or children. --P. ii.