A divorce can be a difficult time for parents and children. One of the most important discussions parents will have during a divorce is about child custody arrangements. Child custody arrangements allow parents to have the right to spend time with their children and decide how they are cared for and raised after a divorce.
Parents may struggle to agree on a child custody arrangement that works best for parents and children. If a child custody case goes to court, the court may create a custody order that fits a child’s best interests. You should read the following to learn more about what the best interests of a child mean and how it can affect a custody case:
Factors courts may consider when deciding child custody
A child’s best interests are factors that could impact a child’s upbringing, safety and well-being. There are many seemingly minor factors that courts may believe will have a big impact on a child’s best interests. Here are a few factors courts may scrutinize during a child custody case:
- Can parents work together to raise their child after a divorce?
- What is the relationship between parents and their child?
- Does a child have a close relationship with extended family?
- Do parents have stable income and housing?
- Does a parent live in a safe neighborhood?
- How far away do parents live from each other?
- Does a child or their parents have serious medical conditions?
- Does a parent have any psychological conditions?
- Does a parent have a history of criminal activity, abuse, abandonment or neglect?
Parents can attend a scheduled court hearing to negotiate child custody arrangements. Professional legal guidance can prepare parents for their child custody hearing.