What factors are considered in determining the best interests of the child?
Remember, no list of factors can be complete, because of the unique character of each case. That said, here is a list culled from Maryland cases: (1) Fitness of parents. (2) Character and reputation of parties. (3) Desire of parents and agreements between parties. (4) Potentiality of maintaining natural family relations. (5) Preference of the child. (6) Material opportunities affecting the future life of the child. (7) Age, health and sex of the child. (8) Residences of the parents, and opportunities for visitation; or geographic proximity of parental homes. (9) Length of child’s separation from parent. (10) Prior voluntary abandonment or surrender.
