Arkansas courts disfavor joint custody arrangements such as alternate weeks/alternate months because those types of arrangements do not provide stability, which children desperately need (especially children coming from divided homes). A Court, by law, must choose one parent over the other to be a primary custodian; however, if the parties are willing to agree to a more equal split of time, most judges will sign off on an order allowing for that type of agreed arrangement. As far as the other issue, any negative variable that the former spouse is exposing the children to can have an effect on the judge’s decision. If that is the only variable in play, it may be play a strong part in the judge’s decision. If that is one of many variables, the judge may look to the totality of the circumstances before making a decision.