ALTERNATING CUSTODY AS SEEN BY FATHERS CLAIMING CUSTODY OF THEIR CHILDREN

Abstract

The article presents findings of empirical analysis concerning the opinions on alternating custody expressed by fathers claiming custody of their children after a divorce. One form of custody that is currently gaining more and more popularity is known as alternating custody, which allows both parents to maintain contact with their child after a divorce. Nowadays, growing interest in this form of custody can be observed in many countries, including Sweden, Canada, Norway, Australia and Poland, all of which have amended regulations and introduced alternating custody to the already-existing sole and joint custody. Changing perceptions of the father’s role and his importance in the process of upbringing have triggered discussions on alternating custody among interested parties, representatives of scientific circles, and family judges. It should be emphasised that men themselves have been undergoing a transformation and they now want to be involved in their child’s life to the same extent as mothers. The study discusses the popularity of this form of custody in Poland and assesses its weak and strong sides. It also focuses on the conditions necessary for the implementation of this form of custody that is based on division of parental rights and duties and the child living with one parent and then spending similar amount of time with the other. The studies revealed that alternating custody is considered unpopular and infrequently implemented. Fathers participating in the survey recognized its importance for maintaining close bond with the child. However, they also expressed some concerns as far as the child’s sense of stability is concerned. The majority of the respondents declared the willingness to implement alternating custody after a divorce as they considered it a chance to provide the child with healthy conditions for his/her development and to maintain close contact with the child. The respondents also perceive this type of custody as a chance to be an involved, not a secondary parent.

Keywords

• спільна опіка
• альтернативна опіка
• сім’я
• розлучення
• батьківство