1204: The Case for Equal Parenting and How it Can Support Financial Equity

Published: May 26, 2021, 7 a.m.

In my latest installment of my monthly NextAdvisor column \u201cClosing the Gap,\u201d I cover the financial inequities divorced moms face after marriage. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2018, moms lead 80% of single-parent households as primary custodians\u2014and often bear the brunt of financial obligations.

But if we believe that time is the great equaliser and that equality - particularly financial equality - between men and women is critical, then a move towards equal parenting time following a divorce could support that. There are, of course, cases where either partner isn't fit to spend time with the kids or there is a history of abuse or addiction. Every family situation is individual and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

But my guest, Emma Johnson, founder of Wealthy Single Mommy and a divorced mother of two children, is a vocal champion for the assumption of 50/50 parenting, making appearances in the media and state capitols to share her evidence that joint custody can help support financial equality between parents. This episode shares her perspective.