What happens if a child does not sleep in another room?
I am a divorce lawyer who encounters this (rather silly) “issue” in child custody cases frequently. And here is the answer (for Utah, where I practice law):
Regardless of what anyone tells you, the truth is, as of the date this is written, that there is no law in Utah (and likely no such law anywhere else, but check with a local knowledgeable lawyer to be sure):
- that requires that children have their own room in which to sleep;
- that two children cannot sleep in the same bed.
Some families, due to financial and/or space constraints, have no choice but to have two children sleep in one bed, or even have children sleep in the same bed as the parents. Some cultures also subscribe to parents and children “co-sleeping.” Short of there being a clear and present danger to a child by sharing a room or a bed with a parent or sibling, there’s no reason for a blanket court co-sleeping prohibition.
Still, sometimes judges get a little uncomfortable with the idea of two children sleeping in the same bed or bedroom or with the idea of a child sleeping in the same bed or bedroom as a parent and may order “one bed per child” and/or “can’t mix children or parents of different sexes” which it is within the judge’s discretion to order.
Utah Family Law, LC | divorceutah.com | 801-466-9277
https://www.quora.com/What-happens-if-a-child-does-not-sleep-in-another-room/answer/Eric-Johnson-311