How will a judge decide custody?
When determining custody and visitation, a judge will consider what is in the best interests of the child(ren). Some factors a judge may consider include: ● who has been the child’s primary caretaker ● the quality of each parent’s home environment ● how “fit” the judge thinks each parent is (stable home and lifestyle, good judgment, has a job, good mental and physical health) ● which parent the child is living with now, and for how long ● each parent’s ability to provide emotional and intellectual support for the child ● which parent allows the other parent into the child’s life (does not try to cut out the other parent) ● if the child is old enough, which parent the child wants to live with ● whether your child would be separated from any siblings ● whether either parent has been abusive A judge must consider whether there has been domestic violence. For more detailed answers to frequently asked questions on custody, visit CourtHelp, LawHelp.org.
