Nielsen in the Media on Shared Parenting & Custody Law Reform
“The custody laws in our country were based on the sexist belief that mothers are better than fathers at raising children. Well, the research does not support that.”
Washington Post, Dec. 12, 2017. Twenty states consider laws to promote shared custody.
“The role of conflict between the parents has too often been exaggerated and should not be the determining factor in child custody decisions. The concept of conflict is difficult to define or to assess reliably, in part because parents sometimes exaggerate or provoke conflict to win sole custody. Forget that it’s divorce. Think about growing up in a married home. Of course, it bothers kids when their parents quarrel. Conflict does matter. But the quality of your relationship with your parents matters a whole lot more than the parents’ relationship with each other.”
Star Tribune, Sept. 13, 2017. New research supports sharing child custody
Representative Jim Runestad, sponsor of Michigan’s shared parenting bill, cites Nielsen’s research: “The peer reviewed studies say joint custody is best for children in a divorce.”
Fox News, Aug. 11, 2017. 50/50 child custody bill sparks heated debates in Grand Rapids
“Nielsen’s research shows that children want more contact with both parents and that meaningful involvement with both parents produces the best outcomes for children.”
U.S. News & World Report, Sept. 1, 2016. Better time, better parents.
Nielsen, who has studied custody arrangements, explains: “One parent might be better for a particular age or a particular kid or a certain type of problem. When it comes to parenting, two heads are better than one.”
TIME, Sept. 29, 2016, The growing case for shared parenting after divorce.
“We’ve done a very poor job getting the research to the people. That’s the fault of we social scientists. Despite research showing that mothers are not more important than fathers, it’s one of those issues where many people don’t want to look at the research because it goes against their gut feelings.”
USA Today, Nov. 13, 2014. States fail on shared parenting laws.
“If dad is subjected to the typical alternate Wednesday dinners and every other weekend arrangement, he’s not doing the kind of parenting that benefits kids. He is basically reduced to an uncle.”
Wall Street Journal, April 16, 2015. Big Shift in custody disputes.
“Nielsen’s paper makes compelling reading because it challenges current policy on the care of young children—a policy that has such a firm grip on Australia’s family law system.”
Sydney Morning Herald, April 28, 2014. Empty days, lonely nights.