Child custody can be an important part of your divorce. To get your child’s custody, you should have an experienced lawyer beside you to appropriately deal with child custody matters. You can click here to know more about how lawyers can help you with child custody and other related matters.

The court usually decides on child custody considering the child’s best interests. There are many factors that the courts take into consideration when deciding what is in a child’s best interests. It is important for legal counsel to understand these factors so that they may be able to effectively argue on behalf of their client and act as an advocate for the child.

The following are four common factors that courts consider when determining what would be in the best interest of a child.

  • The relationship between each parent and the child

The court will determine if the parents have a relationship with the child, how strong that relationship is, how involved they are in their everyday lives, and whether or not they can be trusted. It is also important to consider things such as interactions between the parent and child. The court will consider their daily habits, any favorite pastimes they share, and if any special relationships have been created between the parent and child.

  • Each parent’s ability to provide a stable life for the child

It is important that the court consider each parent’s ability to continue to provide a stable life for the child. This includes the following:

  • The parent’s financial resources
  • The parent’s employment situation
  • The parent’s ability to provide for the child’s physical, mental and emotional needs
  • The parent’s health, and whether or not there are any ongoing physical or mental health issues that may affect the child
  • How long the child has lived in a particular environment

The court will take into consideration how long the child has lived in a particular environment. This can mean that if one parent has been the primary caregiver for many years, it may be difficult for them to adapt to sharing custody with the other parent.

  • The child’s preferences

The court will also take into consideration the child’s preferences. In fact, the child should be consulted and given an opportunity to express their opinions regarding the custodial arrangements. The court will listen to the child as to what they want, but must also take into consideration their age and maturity.