2.  A board-certified clinical psychologist, Dr. Joseph Frey of
Augusta, GA, frequently performs custody evaluations for
the court system. Dr. Joseph Frey also maintains a private
practice in Augusta, GA, and demonstrates expertise in
psychologically evaluating both children and adults.
For divorced parents, joint custody can be either an ideal
arrangement or a source of stress for both themselves and
their children. The difference lies in how well the two
parties can negotiate and peacefully coordinate every
aspect of their children's lives. Joint physical custody
allows children to maintain close day-to-day relationships
with their parents, but this only works if the parents are
able to prioritize the children at all times and keep their
own strife out of parenting decisions.

3.  Parents with joint physical custody need to
consider the child's interests when making
all decisions, big and small. They need to
be able to sit down together and discuss
their own commitments, the children's
schedules, and who can provide care at
what time. Because children's schedules
change, this may be a continuing
discussion.

4.  In addition, parents with joint physical custody
must be able to communicate in a civil
manner on a very regular basis, as children's
needs are ongoing and frequently require
logistical coordination. For example, one
parent must be able to deliver a favorite toy to
the other parent's house or change pickup
times to accommodate a play date. Only by
considering these factors can parents decide
whether joint physical custody will support a
peaceful and stable life for their children.