If you are working your way through a divorce, have already split up with your spouse, or are in the early stages of planning the end of your marriage, various family law matters may be causing you to feel stressed out. However, disagreements or concerns about the custody of a child can be especially hard for parents and it is crucial to find answers to any of your questions and do what you can to protect your child’s future. By understanding various factors that courts look into while making custody decisions, you may be better positioned to safeguard your child’s best interests.
According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, every state in the U.S. has statutes which require that the best interests of a child are taken into consideration when courts rule on crucial life decisions for a child, the placement of a child, or custody. However, the laws vary from one state to the next. For example, some states have statutes which address domestic violence or a child’s medical needs, while others do not. In some states, a child’s relationships with household members must be assessed according to a statute, while some focus on parents’ ability to clothe and feed their children.
Because the laws concerning child custody vary from state to state, it is especially important for you to take an individualized approach. You should also note that this post was intended to provide general information and does not in any way serve as a replacement for legal advice.