Child custody is a common issue in divorce, but it can be difficult to understand how it is determined. If the court is left to decide child custody, they will assign custody according to “the best interests of the child.” While it’s hard to predict exactly how the judge will rule, here are some of the factors that will be considered when determining your child’s custody.
The Best Interest of the Child
This term is common in child custody cases, so it is important to understand it. When evaluating each parent, the judge will try to make a decision that the child’s needs first. It is up to the judge to evaluate both parents’ living situations, parenting abilities, and competing desires, and then decide how custody will be granted.
Factors Used to Determine Child Custody
You family’s individual circumstances will be carefully considered by the judge, including a number of factors. Child custody isn’t taken lightly by the court, so it is important that the judge carefully weighs all important factors.
Child Custody Factors:- The ages of the children.
- The wishes of the parents.
- The quality of the relationship between each parent and the children.
- The mental and physical health of the parents and of the children.
- The willingness of each parent to facilitate the children’s relationship with the other parent.
- Which parent is the primary caretaker of the children.
- The ability of each parent to provide a stable, loving environment for the children.
- The child’s living accommodations at each parent’s home.
- Each parent’s ability to care for the child’s physical, emotional, and medical needs.
- The amount of attachment between the children and their current home, school, and community.
- How the children will be affected by changes to the arrangement.
- The children’s wishes, if they are old enough to express their desires.
- Any confirmed evidence of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence by a parent.
- Allegations of abuse or neglect against a parent.
Have Questions? Ask Our Tulsa Child Custody Attorneys – (918) 992-3300
If you are fighting for custody of your children, the Bundren Law Firm P.C. is here to help you. With more than a century of collective legal experience, our Tulsa child custody lawyers have the knowledge and experience to guide you through your custody case. Don’t wait to get assistance with fighting for your parental rights.
Contact our offices by calling (918) 992-3300 to schedule a consultation.