Modifying Parenting Time: Increasing or Decreasing Visitation

If you're reading this, you're likely facing challenges that few people truly understand. Parenting time modifications are common as circumstances change. Learn when and how to request schedule changes through legal channels.

This isn't abstract theory—it's practical guidance drawn from clinical expertise, legal strategy, and the lived experiences of survivors who've walked this path before you.

High-conflict custody cases differ fundamentally from standard divorce proceedings. The same rules apply, but the dynamics—ongoing abuse, manipulation, and parental alienation—create unique challenges that require specialized strategies.

Understanding the legal framework, court procedures, and evidence requirements helps you navigate this process more effectively while protecting yourself and your children. Research consistently demonstrates that the quality of parenting time arrangements significantly impacts child outcomes—a meta-analysis of 33 studies found that children in joint custody arrangements showed better adjustment on all measures compared to sole custody, including general adjustment, family relationships, self-esteem, and emotional and behavioral adjustment (Bauserman, 2002).

To modify existing custody orders, you must prove:

1. Material change in circumstances since the last order
2. Change affects the child's best interests
3. Modification serves the child's welfare

Courts are reluctant to modify without compelling evidence of changed circumstances. Our in-depth guide explains what constitutes a material change in circumstances for custody modification. The Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act, adopted in whole or part by most states, establishes this "substantial change in circumstances" standard.

Courts generally recognize these categories as potentially material:

Child-Related Changes:

• Significant changes in the child's needs (medical, educational, developmental)
• Child's preference when old enough (typically 12-14+, varies by state)
• Child's deteriorating academic performance or behavioral issues
• Child's safety concerns or documented fear of a parent

Parent-Related Changes:

• New domestic violence incidents or protective orders
• Substance abuse relapse or new addiction issues
• Parent's relocation requiring schedule modification
• Parent's remarriage to someone with concerning history
• Parent's incarceration or legal troubles
• Parent's mental health crisis or hospitalization

Circumstantial Changes:

• Persistent violations of existing custody orders
• Systematic interference with the other parent's time
• Discovery of previously concealed information
• Dramatic changes in either parent's work schedule or living situation

What does NOT typically qualify:

• Minor inconveniences or schedule preferences
• Short-term changes unlikely to persist
• Changes you knew about at the time of the original order
• Your regret about agreeing to the current arrangement

The party seeking modification bears the burden of proof. This means:

You must prove TWO distinct elements:

1. Threshold burden: Substantial change in circumstances has occurred
2. Best interests burden: The proposed modification serves the child's best interests

Standard of proof: Most states use "preponderance of the evidence" (more likely than not, or 51%+ probability). Some states require "clear and convincing evidence" for certain modifications, particularly when seeking to restrict parenting time significantly.

Strategic consideration: You cannot simply show that circumstances changed. You must also prove the existing order no longer serves the child's welfare AND your proposed modification would improve outcomes.

This dual burden means collecting two distinct categories of evidence:

• Evidence proving circumstances materially changed
• Evidence proving your proposed schedule better serves the child

Understanding the difference between temporary and permanent changes is critical:

Temporary Modifications (Emergency or Pendente Lite Orders):

Used when immediate action is needed before a full hearing:

• Timeframe: Issued within days/weeks, last until final hearing
• Standard: "Immediate danger" or "irreparable harm" to child
• Evidence: Affidavits, declarations, recent police reports
• Process: Ex parte (without notice) in true emergencies, or short notice motion
• Duration: Until final hearing (typically 2-6 months depending on court backlog)

When temporary modifications are appropriate:

• New domestic violence incident requiring immediate safety intervention
• Parent's sudden incarceration or hospitalization
• Discovery of child abuse or neglect
• Parent's relapse into active substance abuse with child present
• Emergency relocation requiring immediate schedule adjustment

Permanent Modifications (Final Orders):

Result from full evidentiary hearings:

• Timeframe: Takes 3-12 months from filing to hearing
• Standard: Material change in circumstances + best interests
• Evidence: Witness testimony, expert evaluations, extensive documentation
• Process: Full discovery, depositions, hearings, cross-examination
• Duration: Remains in effect until child reaches majority or further modification

Strategic note: Temporary modifications can become de facto permanent if the new arrangement establishes a pattern. Courts are reluctant to disrupt stability once created, even if the initial change was temporary. This cuts both ways—if you accept a temporary reduction in parenting time, it may become permanent through inertia. Research by Fabricius and colleagues demonstrates that parenting time allocation has lasting effects on father-child relationships and children's long-term physical health outcomes, with outcomes improving as schedules approach equal time with both parents (Fabricius & Luecken, 2007).

Step 1: Pre-Filing Requirements (varies by jurisdiction)

Before filing, many courts require:

• Mandatory mediation: 30-60 day mediation attempt to resolve without litigation
• Parenting class: Completion of court-approved co-parenting education
• Notice requirements: Specific advance notice to other parent (often 20-30 days)
• Financial disclosures: Updated income/expense statements if requesting child support changes

Check your jurisdiction's local rules. Failure to complete mandatory pre-filing steps can result in dismissal.

Step 2: Drafting Your Motion

Your motion must include:

Required components:

• Caption (case number, court, parties)
• Title ("Motion to Modify Parenting Time" or similar)
• Statement of jurisdiction and procedural history
• Factual allegations supporting material change
• Specific requested relief (exact schedule you're requesting)
• Declaration or affidavit under oath
• Certificate of service showing you notified other parent

Critical drafting rules:

• Be specific with dates, times, incidents (no vague generalities)
• Attach exhibits documenting your allegations (police reports, medical records, texts)
• Propose a specific parenting schedule, not just "more time" or "less time"
• Address both legal standards: material change AND best interests
• Anticipate counter-arguments and address them proactively

Step 3: Filing and Service

After drafting:

• File original with court clerk (e-filing in most jurisdictions)
• Pay filing fee (typically $150-$400, fee waiver available if indigent)
• Serve other parent via process server or certified mail
• File proof of service with court within required timeframe

Step 4: Response Period

The other parent typically has 20-30 days to respond (varies by state). They may file:

• Opposition/Response: Disputing your allegations and opposing modification
• Counter-Motion: Requesting their own modifications
• Request for Continuance: Asking for more time to respond

Step 5: Court Proceedings

What happens next depends on case complexity:

Simple cases (agreement or limited dispute):

• Status conference to discuss stipulation
• Possible settlement through mediation
• Agreed order submitted to judge

Contested cases:

• Status conference to set deadlines
• Discovery period (interrogatories, document requests, depositions)
• Possible custody evaluation or home studies ordered
• Pre-trial conference
• Evidentiary hearing (testimony, cross-examination, evidence presentation)
• Post-hearing briefs if requested
• Judge's written decision

Realistic timeline: 3-6 months minimum for contested modifications, often 9-18 months in backlogged courts.

The difference between winning and losing modification motions often comes down to evidence quality and organization. Courts decide based on documented facts, not emotional appeals. Understanding what evidence actually matters to courts is foundational preparation for any modification proceeding.

Categories of Admissible Evidence:

1. Documentary Evidence (Strongest)

Written records carry significant weight because they're contemporaneous and difficult to fabricate:

• Text messages and emails: Screenshots showing concerning communications, threats, violations of orders, or inappropriate conduct
• Police reports: Any domestic violence calls, welfare checks, or incidents involving either parent
• Medical records: Evidence of injuries, mental health crises, substance abuse treatment, or child's trauma symptoms
• School records: Report cards, attendance records, behavior reports, teacher communications
• Court-admissible communication apps: Messages from OurFamilyWizard, AppClose, TalkingParents (these platforms certify records for court use)
• Financial records: Evidence of financial instability, gambling, or inability to meet child's needs
• Social media posts: Public posts demonstrating dangerous behavior, substance use, or concerning judgment

2. Witness Testimony

Who can testify and what they can say:

• Your testimony: Your observations of the child, interactions with co-parent, documentation efforts
• Third-party witnesses: Teachers, coaches, neighbors, family members who observed relevant incidents
• Professional witnesses: Therapists (limited by confidentiality), doctors, counselors who treated the child
• Expert witnesses: Custody evaluators, forensic psychologists, substance abuse experts

Credibility matters: Courts assess witness believability. Stay factual, avoid exaggeration, acknowledge weaknesses in your case proactively.

3. Expert Evaluations

Courts often order or rely on:

• Custody evaluations: Comprehensive assessments of both parents and child ($3,000-$15,000, typically split between parties)
• Psychological evaluations: Mental health assessments of parents or child
• Substance abuse evaluations: Testing and expert opinion on addiction issues
• Home studies: Social worker visits assessing living environments

Strategic consideration: Expert evaluations cut both ways. If you're requesting one, be prepared for scrutiny of your own parenting. Only request evaluations when you're confident the results will support your position.

4. Child's Preference

Most states allow judges to consider a child's preference when the child is sufficiently mature (typically 12-14+, varies by jurisdiction). However:

• Judge decides weight to give preference: A child's stated preference isn't binding
• Manipulation concerns: Courts scrutinize whether preference results from one parent's influence
• Interview format varies: Some judges interview children in chambers, some appoint guardians ad litem to investigate
• No forced testimony: Most courts don't require children to testify in open court

What courts look for: Maturity, reasoning ability, consistency over time, whether preference is based on legitimate concerns vs. material advantages.

Organization system that works:

Create both chronological and categorical organization:

Chronological timeline:

• Spreadsheet with columns: Date | Incident | Category | Evidence | Witnesses
• Entries for every significant event since last custody order
• Include positive events too (your consistent parenting, child's achievements)

Categorical folders:

• Safety Concerns (DV, substance abuse, endangerment)
• Order Violations (missed exchanges, denied time, communication failures)
• Child's Well-being (school records, medical records, behavioral changes)
• Communication Records (texts, emails, co-parenting app messages)
• Financial Issues (unpaid support, unstable housing, job loss)

Digital evidence management:

• Backup everything to cloud storage AND external hard drive
• Never delete original messages (even if embarrassing to you)
• Screenshot with timestamps and phone numbers visible
• Chain of custody: document how you obtained evidence

What NOT to do:

• Don't edit or alter communications (courts can detect this, destroys credibility)
• Don't record conversations without consent in two-party consent states (illegal, inadmissible)
• Don't violate protective orders to gather evidence
• Don't access co-parent's accounts without authorization (illegal)
• Don't coach your child on what to say

1. Start comprehensive documentation today: Every interaction with co-parent, every exchange, every concerning incident gets logged with date, time, what happened, witnesses present.

2. Switch to documented-only communication: All communication through email or court-admissible co-parenting app. No phone calls unless recorded (where legal). No in-person conversations without witnesses.

3. Preserve all evidence: Screenshot and backup every text, email, social media post. Don't delete anything, even if it makes you look bad. Selective deletion destroys credibility.

4. Request records now: School records, medical records, therapy records require formal requests and take time. Start the process immediately.

Seek specialized legal support: Family law attorneys experienced in high-conflict custody cases understand evidence requirements, court procedures, and judicial preferences in your jurisdiction. Initial consultations (often free or low-cost) help you assess your case strength.

Build your expert team: Identify potential expert witnesses early. If you'll need a custody evaluation, research qualified evaluators. If substance abuse is an issue, locate certified evaluators.

Develop your court presentation skills: How you present matters as much as what you present. Practice staying calm, factual, and non-reactive. Courts distrust emotional, dramatic presentations.

Modification litigation is marathon, not sprint: Cases taking 12-18 months are common. During this time:

Maintain impeccable compliance: Every violation of the current order undermines your credibility. Follow the existing parenting plan exactly, even when it's unfair or the other parent violates it.

Document consistently: Keep your evidence timeline updated. Patterns matter more than isolated incidents. Six months of documented violations carries more weight than one dramatic event.

Prioritize stability for your child: Courts value stability above all else. Maintain consistent routines, school attendance, extracurricular involvement, and medical care regardless of custody litigation stress.

Manage your expectations: Even strong cases sometimes lose. Judges have broad discretion. Prepare for unfavorable outcomes while working toward favorable ones.

While most states follow the Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act's "substantial change in circumstances" standard, specific requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction.

Common state-specific variations:

Waiting period requirements: Some states impose mandatory waiting periods between modification requests (e.g., 2 years) unless emergency circumstances exist. This prevents relentless re-litigation.

Best interests factors: Each state defines "best interests" differently. California uses 10+ statutory factors. Texas emphasizes different considerations. Know your state's specific factors.

Relocation rules: Interstate moves triggering schedule changes face different standards. Some states presume relocation harms the child unless the moving parent proves otherwise. Others allow relocation unless the remaining parent proves harm.

Domestic violence provisions: States with domestic violence custody statutes may have different modification standards when abuse is alleged or proven. Some create rebuttable presumptions against custody for abusive parents.

Key statutory references:

• Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act § 409: Model law adopted in whole or part by most states, establishing substantial change requirement
• American Law Institute Principles of Family Dissolution § 2.15: Alternative framework used by some jurisdictions, focusing on approximation of past caregiving
• Model Code on Domestic and Family Violence § 401: Custody modification provisions in domestic violence cases

Research your jurisdiction: State statutes, local court rules, and judicial preferences vary dramatically. California family law operates differently than Texas, which operates differently than New York. Generic advice may backfire. Consult local counsel.

The stability preference: Courts presume the existing arrangement serves the child's interests unless you prove otherwise. This bias toward status quo means you're fighting uphill from day one. However, research from Sweden—where shared physical custody is more common—demonstrates that children in joint physical custody arrangements report better wellbeing across multiple dimensions including psychological health, social functioning, and family relationships compared to those in sole custody arrangements (Bergstrom et al., 2013).

The high conflict discount: When both parents appear combative, judges sometimes maintain existing orders to avoid rewarding the conflict. You may lose not because your evidence was weak, but because the judge views both parties as problematic. Notably, a comprehensive review of 60 studies found that children in high-conflict families generally fare better in joint physical custody than in sole custody families—the assumption that shared parenting harms children in high-conflict situations is not supported by the research evidence (Nielsen, 2018).

The gender bias reality: Despite progress, custody courts still reflect cultural biases. Mothers seeking to reduce father's time may face "vindictive ex-wife" stereotypes. Fathers seeking equal time may face "disengaged dad" assumptions. These biases are real, often unconscious, and difficult to overcome.

The evidence gap: You know what happened in private. The court knows only what you can prove. The gap between truth and provable truth is where many cases are lost.

The emotional toll of litigation: Modification cases force you to relive traumatic experiences, document abuse, and maintain composure while your character is attacked. The stress is cumulative and depleting.

The financial burden: Attorney fees for contested modifications typically range $5,000-$25,000+. Expert evaluations add $3,000-$15,000. Court costs, filing fees, process servers, and lost work time compound expenses. Many parents cannot afford adequate representation.

The time investment: Between attorney meetings, discovery responses, court appearances, and documentation, modification litigation can consume 10-20+ hours monthly for 6-18 months. Working parents with limited resources struggle to maintain this effort.

The psychological warfare: High-conflict co-parents often respond to modification motions with:

• Counter-motions alleging parental alienation designed to distract from your claims
• False abuse allegations designed to muddy the waters
• Harassment through discovery requests
• Attempts to deplete your resources through prolonged litigation

The inconsistent outcomes: Even strong cases with excellent evidence sometimes lose due to judicial discretion, bias, or simple bad luck. The unpredictability creates additional stress.

Filing prematurely without sufficient evidence: Courts penalize frivolous modification requests. Wait until you have 6+ months of documented pattern evidence, not just one or two incidents.

Emotional presentations instead of factual: Crying, yelling, or dramatic presentations undermine credibility. Courts want calm, factual, well-organized evidence presentations.

Focusing on the co-parent's character rather than parenting: Judges don't care that your ex is narcissistic, selfish, or remarried to someone you dislike. They care about parenting capability and child safety. Focus evidence on those issues.

Violating court orders while seeking to modify them: "He violates the order all the time, so I stopped following it too" destroys your case. Maintain perfect compliance even when your co-parent doesn't.

Using your child as evidence gatherer: Interrogating children about what happens at the other parent's home, asking them to take photos, or requesting they report back creates trauma and often backfires legally.

Representing yourself in complex cases: Pro se litigants in high-conflict custody modifications face documented worse outcomes. The "false economy" of saving attorney fees often costs far more in lost parenting time.

Waiting too long to document: "I should have kept records" is the most common regret in unsuccessful modification cases. Start documenting immediately when problems begin.

Social media oversharing: Posting about your case, your co-parent, or your frustrations on social media provides ammunition for opposing counsel. Assume everything you post will be screenshotted and submitted to the court.

Jennifer's case - Domestic violence modification:

When Jennifer filed for divorce citing domestic violence, her ex-husband immediately claimed parental alienation and accused her of making false allegations. Her attorney helped her document specific incidents, obtain protective orders, and present clear evidence that resulted in supervised visitation for her ex.

What worked:

• Six months of documented incidents with police reports
• Medical records showing injuries consistent with her allegations
• Text messages showing threatening behavior
• Third-party witnesses (neighbors who heard arguments)
• Consistency in her account across multiple statements

Outcome: Court ordered supervised visitation initially, with step-up provisions requiring her ex to complete domestic violence treatment and maintain 12 months of non-violent behavior before unsupervised time. Research from the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges emphasizes the importance of thorough documentation in domestic violence custody cases.

David's situation - Persistent order violations:

David's ex-wife repeatedly violated the parenting plan, canceling his weekends with last-minute "emergencies," denying him holiday time, and refusing to communicate about the children's medical appointments or school events.

What David did:

• Created a detailed spreadsheet tracking every violation (42 incidents over 8 months)
• Used OurFamilyWizard exclusively for all communication (court-admissible records)
• Sent professional, factual messages requesting compliance each time
• Filed contempt motion with comprehensive exhibit list

Outcome: Court found ex-wife in contempt, imposed sanctions including attorney fee reimbursement, and modified custody to give David final decision-making authority on medical and educational issues. The judge explicitly cited David's "impeccable documentation" and "patient, appropriate responses" as evidence of his credibility.

Maria's failed attempt - Lessons learned:

Maria sought to reduce her ex-husband's parenting time because she believed he was emotionally abusive to their daughter (age 9). She filed a modification motion citing her daughter's statements that she "didn't want to go to Daddy's house."

What went wrong:

• No documentation beyond Maria's assertions and the child's statements
• No third-party witnesses
• No expert evaluation supporting claims
• Evidence that Maria frequently questioned the child about visits
• Maria's social media posts calling ex-husband a "narcissist" and "toxic"

Outcome: Court denied modification and sanctioned Maria for filing without sufficient evidence. The judge found concerning evidence that Maria was coaching the child and contributing to alienation. The cautionary lesson: child's preference alone, without corroborating evidence, is insufficient—especially when one parent may be influencing that preference.

NOTE ON HOTLINE NUMBERS: Phone numbers for crisis hotlines, legal aid, and support services are provided as a resource. These numbers are current as of publication but may change. Please verify hotline numbers are still active before relying on them. For the National Domestic Violence Hotline, visit thehotline.org for current contact information.

• Material change standard requires proof of TWO elements: Changed circumstances since the last order AND that modification serves child's best interests
• Burden of proof rests entirely on the moving party: You must prove both threshold change and best interests through admissible evidence
• Temporary vs permanent modifications serve different purposes: Emergency/pendente lite orders require immediate danger; permanent modifications require comprehensive evidence and full hearings
• Documentation quality determines case outcomes: Courts decide based on documented facts, not emotional appeals or unsupported allegations
• The motion filing process has strict procedural requirements: Pre-filing mediation, proper service, response periods, and discovery deadlines must be followed exactly
• State-specific standards vary dramatically: Research your jurisdiction's specific statutes, waiting periods, and best-interests factors before filing
• Professional legal support significantly improves outcomes: High-conflict custody modifications are too complex for effective pro se representation
• Timeline expectations must be realistic: Contested modifications typically take 6-18 months from filing to final decision
• Perfect compliance with existing orders is mandatory: Violating the current order while seeking to modify it destroys credibility
• Evidence organization matters as much as evidence quality: Chronological timelines and categorical organization help courts process complex cases

Week 1: Evidence Assessment and Documentation System

1. Create your documentation infrastructure today:

   • Set up chronological spreadsheet (Date | Incident | Category | Evidence | Witnesses)
   • Create categorical folders (Safety | Violations | Child Well-being | Communications | Financial)
   • Establish backup system (cloud + external drive)
   • Switch all co-parent communication to court-admissible platform (OurFamilyWizard, AppClose, TalkingParents)

2. Gather existing evidence:

   • Collect all texts, emails, voicemails from past 6-12 months
   • Screenshot social media posts (yours and co-parent's)
   • Request copies of police reports from any domestic incidents
   • Compile any existing medical, school, or therapy records

Week 2-4: Legal Consultation and Case Assessment

3. Schedule consultations with specialized family law attorneys:

   • Interview minimum 2-3 attorneys experienced in high-conflict custody
   • Ask specific questions: "Have you handled cases involving domestic violence/parental alienation/substance abuse?" (whichever applies)
   • Inquire about their success rate with modification motions in your county
   • Discuss realistic timeline, cost estimates, and case strength assessment
   • Bring your organized evidence to consultations

4. Research your jurisdiction's specific requirements:

   • Review your state's family code custody modification statutes
   • Check local court rules for mandatory mediation or parenting class requirements
   • Identify filing fees and fee waiver procedures if cost is barrier
   • Understand waiting periods between modification requests in your state

Month 1-2: Building Your Case Foundation

5. Request formal records from institutions:

   • School attendance, grades, behavioral reports (submit written FERPA request)
   • Medical records for child and relevant parent (HIPAA authorization)
   • Police reports and 911 call records (public records request)
   • Court records from any related cases (protective orders, criminal cases)

6. Establish pattern documentation (minimum 3-6 months before filing):

   • Log every violation of existing order with specific details
   • Document all concerning incidents affecting child's welfare
   • Track your consistent compliance with existing order
   • Save all communications showing problematic behavior

Month 3-6: Pre-Filing Preparation

7. Complete mandatory pre-filing requirements:

   • Attempt good-faith mediation if required by local rules
   • Complete court-ordered co-parenting class if mandated
   • Update financial disclosures if support modification likely
   • Identify and interview potential witnesses

8. Prepare your proposed parenting schedule:

   • Draft specific schedule (days, times, holidays, summer, transportation)
   • Ensure proposal addresses child's actual needs and your work schedule
   • Consider graduated schedule if requesting significant change
   • Be prepared to compromise on details while holding firm on safety concerns

Ongoing: Maintaining Your Position

9. Follow existing court orders perfectly: Even when co-parent violates, even when orders feel unfair, even when you're frustrated. Perfect compliance is your strongest evidence of credibility.

10. Communicate using BIFF method exclusively: Brief, Informative, Friendly, Firm. The BIFF Response Method developed by the High Conflict Institute prevents reactive responses that harm your case.

11. Protect your social media presence: Assume everything you post will be presented in court. Make accounts private. Don't discuss case, co-parent, or frustrations publicly.

12. Prioritize child's stability throughout litigation: Maintain consistent routines, school attendance, extracurricular activities, and medical care regardless of custody litigation stress.

Legal Resources:

• Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act: Full text and state adoption status
• Legal aid by state: LawHelp.org for free/low-cost legal assistance
• State family law statutes: National Conference of State Legislatures Family Law Resources

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Legal Support and Parenting Time Modification:

• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers - Find family law attorneys for parenting time modification
• WomensLaw.org - State-specific visitation and parenting time laws
• National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges - Judicial guide to child safety
• Legal Services Corporation - Find free/low-cost legal aid

Documentation and Communication Tools:

• OurFamilyWizard - Court-admissible communication platform
• TalkingParents - Documented co-parenting communication
• High Conflict Institute - BIFF Method - Brief, Informative, Friendly, Firm responses
• Splitting by Bill Eddy - High-conflict co-parenting strategies

Crisis Support and Family Resources:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) for safety planning
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call or text 988 for crisis support (24/7)
• Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 for crisis counseling
• Family Violence Appellate Project - Legal support for parenting time disputes

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Bauserman, R. (2002). Child adjustment in joint-custody versus sole-custody arrangements: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Family Psychology, 16(1), 91-102. https://doi.org/10.1037/0893-3200.16.1.91

Bergstrom, M., Modin, B., Fransson, E., Hjern, A., & Ostberg, V. (2013). Living in two homes: A Swedish national survey of wellbeing in 12 and 15 year olds with joint physical custody. BMC Public Health, 13, 868. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-868

Fabricius, W. V., & Luecken, L. J. (2007). Postdivorce living arrangements, parent conflict, and long-term physical health correlates for children of divorce. Journal of Family Psychology, 21(2), 195-205. https://doi.org/10.1037/0893-3200.21.2.195

Nielsen, L. (2018). Joint versus sole physical custody: Children's outcomes independent of parent-child relationships, income, and conflict in 60 studies. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 59(4), 247-281. https://doi.org/10.1080/10502556.2018.1454204