Relationship between legal reforms and the assignment of shared custody in Spain (2007-‍2017)

Abstract

Over the last decade and a half, the legislation on marital ruptures has experienced significant changes with the possibility of shared custody being one of the reforms with greater impact. Although these regulations have not ceased to be enacted, there is no study, such as this one, that relates legislation and practice of shared custody in Spain. This article uses the INE Statistics of nullities, separations and divorces, as the main data source analyzing it from its microdata. It is concluded that the existence of a specific law has triggered shared custodies; however, this practice has increased in those Autonomous Communities where it was previously more frequent. Yet, other variables also intervene in the assignment of shared custodies, as confirmed by the cases of the Balearic Islands or the Valencian Community.