If you have recently gone through a separation or a divorce, it is likely that one of your top priorities right now is ensuring the well-being of your children through this turbulent time. Whether you want to fight for child custody, would rather share custody with the other parent, or are worried about the well-being of your child if they stay with their other parent, it is important that you understand how the law works so that you can get your desired outcome.
Child custody courts always prioritize the best interests of the child. This means that the physical safety of the child is the most important thing in every situation, and the mental and emotional wellbeing of the child is of extremely high importance. Other issues, such as financial stability, educational possibilities, and time spent with both parents, come secondary to these basic requirements. The following is an overview of how child custody courts prioritize the child at all times.
They consider whether joint custody will be in the best interests of the child
In an ideal world, child custody courts will want to see children split time between both of their parents. This is because children tend to benefit from having a strong bond with both of their parents. However, if either parent poses a physical or emotional risk to the child, or if sharing time between parents would be too disruptive to the child’s routine, the child custody courts will award full custody to one parent.
How are parents evaluated by the child custody courts?
The child custody courts will look at the financial and emotional stability of each parent, the bond that they have with their child, their commitment to being a good parent, and their ability to provide a safe and loving home.
If you are petitioning for custody of your child, it is important that you understand how the law will apply to you so that you can take action to get your desired outcome.