How is Child Custody Determined?

The best interests of the child principle are key to all child custody determinations. This means that the primary focus in custody cases is always what is deemed most beneficial for the child’s developmental, emotional, and physical well-being. The stakes are immensely high if you are going through a separation or divorce, and your child’s future is involved.

In this light, it’s in your and your child’s best interests to work with a seasoned Lebanon, PA, child custody lawyer when navigating child custody matters. Meanwhile, below is a breakdown of what you can expect during custody determinations and how a Lebanon, PA, child custody attorney can help.

Understanding The Child’s Best Interests Principle

In most cases, judges don’t seek to deprive parents of time with their children and prefer shared or joint child custody arrangements. They will always be guided by the child’s best interests when determining custody matters. In practice, a judge will consider a multitude of factors to determine what’s truly best for your child. These factors typically include the following:

• Each parent’s ability to give their child a loving, safe, supportive, and stable environment. This includes assessing your living situation, financial stability, physical and mental health, and ability to meet your child’s specific needs.
• The child’s relationship with the parents. Judges wish to foster and preserve strong bonds and will scrutinize the child’s relationship or lack thereof with you and your co-parent to determine how it affects your child’s well-being.
• The age and specific needs of the child. Does the judge need to consider any special circumstances or needs? This is especially true for children with physical or mental disabilities or illnesses. Likewise, a younger child will have different needs compared to a teenager. For instance, the judge may prioritize continuity and stability for a younger child, such as preserving their school life and living situation. On the other hand, the judge may consider the preferences of a teenager or a more mature child.
• Whether there’s a history of neglect, violence, or substance abuse, your child’s safety is paramount.
• Each parent’s willingness to co-parent. A willingness to communicate and cooperate will communicate to the judge that both parents prioritize their child’s best interests.

Essentially, the judge must figure out which parent can give the child the most nurturing, stable, and secure environment. It is more than just about who is wrong or right, but what is best for your child. Ideally, you and your co-parent can reach a custody agreement (with guidance from your attorney) and get the judge’s approval to make it official.

If not, your Lebanon, PA, child custody lawyer can help you negotiate a custody arrangement and guide you during mediation proceedings. If mediation fails, your lawyer will present and argue your case in the most effective way possible to communicate to the judge that you only have your child’s best interests at heart.

Let Our Compassionate Lebanon, PA, Child Custody Lawyer Fight for Your Child’s Best Interests

The legal complexities, emotional toll, and high stakes of a child custody dispute make it incredibly challenging for anyone to handle alone. That’s where our Lebanon, PA, child custody attorney at Feeman Law Offices comes in. Learn how we can help by scheduling your confidential case review online.