How Does a Court Determine Child Custody?

It is best if parents can come to a mutual agreement about the custody of the child. In many cases however, this is not possible, and a court will have to make a decision about the custody of the child. In such cases, the court will take into consideration a number of factors to establish that the arrangement is in the best interests of the youngster.

The court will consider the age and the health of the youngster. It will consider the physical and mental health of a child’s parents, their lifestyle, including the kind of environmental conditions that the parents can provide for the child.

The court will look at any history of youngster abuse, or violence in the family. It will also look at the bond between the parent and the child, and the parents’ ability to provide a favorable environment for the child. That will include the ability to provide the child with all of his basic living needs, like food, shelter, school, as well as community participation. It will look at the parents’ ability to provide for the medical needs of the child.

Los Angeles child visitation lawyers also often find courts asking for the child’s input. If the youngster is of a certain age and is able to articulate his own wishes, the court may even ask him his wishes about custody.

The court will make a decision after it takes into consideration all of these factors.

If you are unable to come to an agreement with your partner about the custody of a youngster, speak to a Los Angeles child visitation lawyer for guidance.