What Factors does a court consider in determining child custody arrangements?
The court steps in to determine custody arrangements in a circumstance where parents or guardians fail to agree. The court makes a final decision based on the “best interest of the child.” The following are factors, which make up the totality of the circumstances that the court weighs in making their determination. Pertaining to Child: • Gender • Age • Mental health • Physical health • Whether child has siblings • Daily routine (for example: church, extracurricular activities, social network) • Preference (depending on being above a certain age) Pertaining to Parent: • Lifestyle • Emotional bond with child • Mental health • Physical health • Abusive history Often the primary caretaker of the child will be awarded custody.
