Child custody decisions are made with the child’s best interests in mind. There is a list of factors that are considered by Florida family law courts to determine the best child custody arrangement for the child.
Child custody factors
What is best for each child may be different which is why child custody factors can help develop a child custody arrangement that is best in each unique family situation. There are several child custody factors that may be considered including:
- The child’s school and home history;
- The mental, physical and moral status of the parents;
- The permanence of the child’s proposed home;
- The continuity of the child’s situation;
- The ability of the parents to provide for the child;
- Love, affection and the existing ties between the child and each of the parents;
- If each parent will cooperate and encourage contact with the other parent;
- If each parent will be reasonable in accommodating any needed changes;
- If the parents will honor the time-sharing schedule;
- The involvement of each parent in the child’s life;
- The ability of the parents to me the child’s developmental needs;
- How parental responsibilities will be divided following the proceeding; and
- Any domestic violence.
It is beneficial for parents to be familiar how child custody arrangements may be worked out. It can help them reach a child custody arrangement that meets the needs of their child. Child custody is and how it is shared is significant for children, parents and families and should be resolved according to the best interests of the child. These factors, and a knowledge of them, can help guide that determination.
