Shared residency means that after parents separate or divorce, the children will have two homes where they can live with each parent. For example, one week they might live with their mum and then the next week they will live with their dad. This is called a shared residency arrangement.
Shared residency arrangements are becoming more common in England because it is now recognized that children need both parents in their lives. This is important because children love and need both of their parents, and having a shared residency arrangement means they can continue to spend time with both of them.
Shared residency arrangements can be agreed between parents, but if they cannot agree, the court can make an order for shared residency. The court will take into account what is in the best interests of the child, and will often take into account the child's wishes and feelings if they are old enough to express them.
Having a shared residency arrangement means that the child will have a stable home with each parent, and will be able to continue to develop a relationship with both of them. It can be a bit confusing at first, but it can work really well if both parents are committed to working together to make it a success.