The concept of shared parental responsibility (JR) is a further development of joint custody (JC). JR addresses the frequently voiced criticisms of JC, which is limited to legal equality between fathers and mothers. JR, on the other hand, goes further by integrating two essential aspects of everyday life: the distribution of caregiving responsibilities and conflict resolution. It draws on two proven concepts: court-ordered mediation (as implemented across the board in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, ) and equal shared custody as a starting point for an individualized, tailored division of caregiving duties.
On these pages you will find important documents that explain the arguments and justifications for shared parental responsibility.
Further explanations regarding the concepts of mandated mediation and shared support can be found on the relevant pages of our website.