I don't think 50/50 custody should be standard. I believe a kid should have a place to call home. Consistency is very important and it creates chaos when time is equally shared. My Sons dad has him every other weekend and every Wednesday and it works out great. That Wednesday gives his dad that extra time in between that break and this schedule allows me to manage his school work totally and keep his behavior in check at school. They like to know what to expect. He loves to be with his dad so much and his dad doesn't really like the schedule, but he hasn't really thought much about his best interest in the past. He's only thought about the fact that he wants to be with his son. I understand totally... However I've told him that he can pick him up after homework and take him to dinner some nights if he misses him but he never does. He just wants the "custody" of him. Defend his rights as a father I guess but it's better that a child is in one home primarily, visitation to other parent maybe more like 70/30.

I think it should be a really long thought out decision. SO wanted sole but I knew he'd never get more than 50/50 (not unless BM went to jail or abandoned them) But I was clear they were HIS responsibility and held him to it. He has to ask me to watch his kids, every time he wants to do something, make a decision on the kids weeks HE has to solve the problem and leave me out of it. When he whines about how I won't do whatever I remind him they are NOT my kids, I have no legal responsibility nor biological connection. That they are HIS kids he wanted them 50/50 then he HAS to be their parent I will be his supporting role but I'm not his co-star.
50/50 was not an option for my kids, their dad was horribly abusive mentally and emotionally and had started in on the kids. His pot and his "friends" were his priority and regularly he'd ditch the kids for other plans so I gave him a choice give me sole custody and I won't bring up the pot in court or quit and go for 50/50. Instead he just screamed at me for taking all the tax return since I would have them 98% of the time and pay waaaay over half their living expenses. That was the absolutely only argument he had to the divorce and custody, he wanted that earned income credit. He still (4 years later) harasses me at tax time this year is the first time he hasn't course he's also not paying cs or anything else.

I think it should be decided on a case-by-case basis. It really depends on all the people involved and what they're like. If it works for the kid, great. But I know that for me, I really benefitted from the routine of doing my homework at the same place, the same sleep routine and other routines.

I think it should be a case by case basis. My DH said there was no way he could have had SD 50/50. Knowing how he is with our own children, he would feel the same way if we split. He is not particularly active in their day-to-day care. EOWe would suit him perfectly. I don't think he'd even bother with dinner one evening a week. He would say he wants to, but with how he acts after work, I know he would feel it's too much of a hassle.

I think men who are not as involved in the little things would not do well with 50/50.

I know of a guy who had 50/50 with his kids 15 years ago. They did 2 days on, 2 days off. The parents lived in the same town, and it sounded crazy when I heard the schedule. The kids were told at 14 they could change the schedule, but they chose to keep it. I guess it's different for everybody.

Sexism????

People aren't saying dads shouldn't have 50/50 just because they are men. They are saying they shouldn't have 50/50 if they aren't able/willing to parent their kids during their time. If they are going to dump their responsibilities onto the new wife, that isn't parenting. If they can't juggle work and parenting, then they shouldn't have 50/50. I think the same applies to mothers.

The kid should be with the parent who can cook meals, provide transportation, assist with homework, attend school conferences, get the kid to the doctors....without depending on the new wife/husband or grandma to ALWAYS do these things for him/her. It's one thing to have help when you're in a pinch. But that's not the same as having SM running around playing taxi, nanny, housekeeper...

No, 50/50 should not be standard IMHO. One parent is nearly always a better parent, or a better provider than the other. Both of these characteristics should be considered when establishing custody and visitation.

The parent most capable of both parenting and providing for the kid should be the CP.

IMHO of course.

I don't think it should be the norm. Kids need routine and consistency in parenting. If both parents get along and are on the same page, then it can work. If one parent allows the child to do things not allowed at the other home, it doesn't give the child a stable foundation. In many cases, the child will learn how to "game" the system to suit their needs. That may not bode well for them when they grow up.

50/50 should not be standard- my SS is bounced around like a ping pong ball. He needs more consistent routine and by the time he settles in it is time to go to the other house... Bio parents get along well, both are good parents, live in the same neighborhood but each house is different with different rules and expectations. DH works and BM is a SAHM, on weekdays SS sees BD for a few hours before bed and that is it. For many reasons I believe it is in SS's best interest to be with BM full time.