Are you going through the divorce process? Have you come to realize that this will impact your family, including your children, in many ways? If you have yet to think about matters of child custody, now is the time to do so. After all, you want to do what’s best for your child at all times.
In short, the court takes one thing into consideration when making a child custody determination — the best interests of the child. This may sound basic, but it shows that the court cares about the child’s well-being more than anything else.
Here are some of the things that the court looks at when attempting to determine a child’s best interests:
— The overall health of both parents.
— The need for a stable and safe home.
— Any special needs.
— The input of the child, if he or she is old enough to speak out.
— Any evidence of alcohol or drug abuse.
— Any evidence of physical abuse.
— Relationships with other household members.
As you can see, the court has to look at many factors when making a child custody determination. This isn’t always easy, but it’s a must.
If matters of child custody are on your mind, you should get into the same frame of mind as the court. You should also want to do what is best for your child, even if it doesn’t always mean that is what is best for you.
In the event that you feel your child’s best interests are not being served, don’t hesitate to consult with a family law attorney who can help you understand your legal rights.
Source: FindLaw, “Who Gets Custody,” accessed Oct. 19, 2016
