Establishing child custody is an important part of divorce for parents. Child custody is a complicated matter that can change how parents raise their children. Instead of children being raised by their parents in a single home, many children will be raised by their parents in two different homes. In some cases, children may be raised by a single parent.
Many parents want to keep custody of their children, but they may fear they will lose custody. Parents can learn how child custody is established below:
The courts consider a child’s best interests
During a child custody case, the courts will consider a child’s best interests. There is no single definition of the best interests of the child. A child’s best interest is, typically, what factors are the most advantageous for a child’s upbringing. Some factors can include a child’s happiness or a parent’s ability to provide for example.
During a court hearing, parents can show how they can provide for their child’s best interests. For example, a parent may show that they are able to give their child a good education, care for their medical needs, provide a stable income or have a strong bond with their child.
Some factors can also severely impact a parent’s opportunity for child custody. For example, a parent with a criminal record, history of abuse, unstable income or lack of emotional understanding may struggle to show they have their child’s best interests in mind.
Parents can prepare for a court hearing by gathering key documents, making a custody journal, or logging child-related expenses. Legal guidance can support parents during a child custody hearing.
