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Is 50/50 custody really fair? Should you co-parent or parallel parent? In the Season 5 premiere, divorce mediators Alex Howard and Amanda Silver share the divorce myths they believed when they started, and why hundreds of cases changed their minds.

Why a 50/50 default can shortchange kids when one parent carried the load, why the conflict often changes instead of ending after divorce, why you don't need cheating or abuse to leave, and why Alex now starts from parallel parenting instead of co-parenting.

Alex and Amanda talk about:
- Why the person who leaves isn't always the one who ended the marriage
- The spouse who pushes you to make the call so they don't have to
- Why 50/50 isn't automatically fair, and quality time vs equal time
- Why you don't have to answer every message from your ex
- Leaving with no cheating and no abuse: "You can literally just be unhappy"
- Co-parenting vs parallel parenting: who decides braces and who decides bedtime

If you are dealing with abuse or feel unsafe: In Canada, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline). Ontario: Assaulted Women's Helpline 1-866-863-0511 (24/7). In the US: National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.

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