How do courts decide custody?

On Behalf of | Mar 12, 2020 | Child Custody |

When New Jersey parents divorce, child custody matters are often contentious. If you cant decide who gets custody, how will courts make the decision? Today we will take a look at what factors courts examine to determine who gets custody.

The primary question that motivates a court is this: what is in the best interest of the child? All pieces of evidence they examine will either prove or disprove a parent’s fit for custody. There are many different things that courts examine to reach their conclusion.

First, how financially stable is the parent seeking custody? Are they going to be able to provide a safe, healthy and enriched living environment for their child? Will they be able to meet the child’s needs? What will their quality of life be like?

Next, what is the emotional relationship like between the parent and child? Is there a healthy bond? Are the parent and child attached? Depending on how old the child is, the court may ask for their opinion. The court may then consider their preference on which parent they would like to live with.

Will the child have to make any big adjustments to their new living arrangements? This can be disruptive, especially in formative years. Courts usually err on the side of as little disruptions as possible.

Do you consider child custody matters to be intriguing? Are you curious about how courts handle child custody cases? If you want to learn more, take a look at our linked web page. You can view more about child custody, including how courts determine it.