West Virginians show overwhelming support for shared parenting, according to recent poll
The most recent round of National Parents Organization (NPO) shared parenting polling shows overwhelming support for shared parenting in West Virginia. According to this groundbreaking research in the state of West Virginia, 97% of those who were polled believe it is in the child's best interest to have as much time as possible with each parent in cases of separation or divorce. In addition, a high percentage of those polled also admitted that they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supported equal shared parenting.
This NPO-commissioned poll was conducted independently by Researchscape International in August and September 2021 as part of NPO’s ongoing commitment to carry out shared parenting research throughout the United States. As the nonprofit works to further its awareness, advocacy, and legislative efforts for equal shared parenting, it commissioned this poll to measure the attitudes and beliefs of West Virginians concerning shared parenting when parents live apart. In West Virginia, the polling results were tremendously supportive ofequal shared parenting. In fact, the opinions of those polled in West Virginia are some of the most positive toward equal shared parenting thus far in NPO’s research.
The data collected in West Virginia was based on an eight-day poll that concluded on September 1, 2021. The sample size of 561 respondents was representative of West Virginia adults with respect to race, gender, age, income, and political alignment. The data provides an estimated credibility interval of plus or minus 6%, according to Researchscape International. The polling of the respondents concluded that in instances of separation or divorce:
97% of those in West Virginia believe it is in the child's best interest ... to have as much time as possible with each parent.
96% of West Virginians expressed a commitment to vote their beliefs being "more likely to vote for a candidate who supports children spending equal or nearly equal time with each parent ...when both parents are fit and willing to be parents."
87% of those in West Virginia indicated they would support a change in West Virginia law that awards children as much time as possible with each parent after divorce or separation.
82% of West Virginians surveyed believe that when there is conflict between parents, awarding sole custody to one parent increases conflict.
92% believe that West Virginia should promote shared parenting for all children with separated parents.
93% of those in West Virginia believe that both parents should have equal rights and responsibilities following divorce or separation.
The results of this shared parenting poll are essential in improving the lives and well-being of children in West Virginia who are affected by the separation or divorce of their parents. According to NPO’s research, there is much room for improvement in West Virginia’s child custody laws. In the 2019 NPO Shared Parenting Report Card, West Virginia was given a ‘C-’ grade. While the Report Card notes a number of positive features of West Virginia’s laws, there are significant deficits. Most significantly:
West Virginia has no statutory preference for, or presumption of, shared parenting (joint legal custody and shared physical custody) for temporary or final orders.
West Virginia statutes do not explicitly provide for shared parenting during temporary orders.
In recent years, West Virginia has been a shared parenting battleground state based on historical data and legislative activity. In fact, during a five-year period from 2014 to 2019, there were nine shared parenting bills introduced in the state legislature. Unfortunately, these drafted bills were quashed because they didn’t gain the political support they needed to become law. Most recently, another bill, which was introduced in 2021, faced the same fate from West Virginia senators despite passing the state’s House of Delegates. This latest round of shared parenting polling will serve as an additional way to generate more support from West Virginia lawmakers. This research will also be used by NPO and its volunteers to raise awareness about the benefits of shared parenting. Advocates hope that this data will put pressure on state legislators in West Virginia to enact laws that truly promote the best interest of children whose parents are separated or divorced.
West Virginia joined five other states, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Georgia, and Washington, in the latest round of polling. As of December 2021, NPO has commissioned shared parenting surveys in 19 states. NPO is working to fund these types of independently-commissioned shared parenting polls in all 50 states. To help support the efforts of polling the remaining states, click here to donate.
To learn more about NPO, click here to visit the organization’s website. You can also help to support its mission and vision by donating, fundraising, volunteering, and advocating.
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The overarching goal of National Parents Organization (NPO) is to promote shared parenting by educating parents, divorce professionals, and legislators and by reforming family courts and laws in every state. NPO focuses on advocacy and research leading to systemic reform of the family courts. The organization does not provide legal aid or advice on individual cases.