What factors does the court consider when determining the childs best interests?
The court determines the child’s best interest based on the following factors: • Acts of domestic violence between the parties • Safety of the child • Safety of either parent from acts of domestic violence against the other parent • With consideration to all the things that might affect the child physically, mentally, emotionally, morally, and spiritually. Though each Judge may weight factors under consideration differently, the primary factors under consideration include the: • Abductions, child abuse, and neglect • Age of the child • Facilitation of visitation and involvement of the other parent • Home environment • Legal complaints filed against either parent • Parental drug and alcohol problems—current and history • Parent’s competency, time available to spend with the child • Parent’s non-marital sexual relationships • Parent’s willingness to keep the other parent involved in the child’s life, or efforts to undermine the other parent • Presence of siblings and their relationships
