New Data Reveals Best & Worst States for Co-Parenting

A groundbreaking study has uncovered critical co-parenting strategies that can help children navigate the emotional challenges of divorce.

Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC conducted a comprehensive study on U.S. divorce trends, focusing on how co-parenting plays a pivotal role in children’s emotional and developmental well-being. With 673,989 divorces in 2022, the study highlights the far-reaching impact on 336,995 children. These findings provide actionable insights that can help parents foster emotional stability, reduce mental health issues, and ensure their kids remain resilient despite family restructuring.

Key Findings:

• 5.8% of children live only with their mother, while 1.6% live only with their father, underscoring the need for balanced co-parenting to maintain emotional stability.
• In 2022, 336,995 divorces involved children, highlighting a significant need for emotional support and stability during transitions.
• 673,989 marriages ended in divorce, representing 24.5% of all marriages, signaling profound family restructuring across the U.S.
• The leading causes of divorce include lack of commitment (505,492 cases), infidelity (404,393 cases), and domestic abuse (161,757 cases), all of which directly impact co-parenting dynamics.
• State-by-state analysis shows that states with equal shared custody (like Arizona, Florida, and New Jersey) report better emotional and academic outcomes for children, while states with sole custody arrangements (like Tennessee, Utah, and Mississippi) show higher stress and emotional challenges for children.

Best States for Co-Parenting:

Best States for Co-Parenting

1. Arizona: 50/50 Custody ensures balanced involvement from both parents, with 70% of children reporting better emotional adjustment and mental health.
2. Florida: 50/50 Custody leads to improved academic performance and better social skills for children, with 65% showing positive effects.
3. Minnesota: 50/50 Custody helps children experience lower anxiety and improved social adaptation, with 75% benefiting emotionally.
4. Illinois: 50/50 Custody ensures better emotional adjustment in 80% of children, fostering stability and healthier relationships with both parents.
5. New Jersey: 50/50 Custody leads to 85% of children reporting better mental health, showcasing the importance of equal parental responsibility.

Worst States for Co-Parenting:

Worst States for Co-Parenting

1. Tennessee: 60/40 Custody (Mother-dominated) increases stress in children, with 50% reporting emotional distress from the unequal time split.
2. Utah: 60/40 Custody (Mother-dominated) leads to children struggling with identity and attachment, with 55% reporting emotional difficulties.
3. Mississippi: Sole Custody results in behavioral issues in 45% of children, with imbalanced parenting time leading to emotional instability.
4. West Virginia: Children face lower self-esteem and academic struggles in 60/40 custody, with 58% reporting negative emotional effects from uneven custody.
5. Nevada: 60/40 Custody (Mother-dominated) leads to aggression or withdrawal in 40% of children, as one parent is less involved in the child’s life.

The full study here for a deeper dive into these narratives and a more comprehensive analysis.