Equal Placement between choice and imposition

Parental separation can profoundly impact children, emphasizing the necessity to prioritize their holistic well-being. Physical joint custody, promoting equal or similar time with both parents, has gained traction based on international research. However, it's debated whether dual residence always meets children's best interests. Our systematic review from 2000 onwards, drawing from PubMed, Scopus, and various legal and psychological associations, explores this issue. Research suggests that predominantly placing children with one parent, with tailored visitation schedules aligned with their psychological, physiological, and situational needs, may better serve their welfare. Advocates argue that equal time arrangements can disrupt the stability crucial for healthy child development, despite increasing court and international support. This study seeks to inform custody decisions that prioritize children's needs over adult preferences, advocating for nuanced custody and visitation redefinitions in legal frameworks. The goal is to safeguard children during separations by focusing on their well-being above all else.