JOINT PHYSICAL CUSTODY AFTER DIVORCE

Abstract

The article focusses on the issue of joint physical custody as a method of regulating parental authority after divorce or separation in the Polish family law. The purpose of the analysis is to clarify the concept of joint physical custody, its relation to parental authority and practical problems related to the institution of joint physical custody. Joint physical custody has not been regulated directly in the Polish law and therefore raises many doubts in the courts. It leads to different treatment of citizens by the public authorities. The article also discusses development of joint physical custody in the United States considered to be the birthplace of this institution. In foreign legal systems, the rule is to maintain parental authority of both parents after divorce. This corresponds to strong belief on the European and international forum that such an arrangement is the most appropriate for the best interests of the child