Parents who are ending a romantic relationship have to determine how to handle child custody matters. Every decision that’s made for this must be based on the best interests of the child, but some may wonder what that means.
In California, there are specific things that should be considered when determining the best interests of the child. The goal of this is to ensure that the children have a safe, supportive and stable environment so they can thrive.
What factors affect child custody?
One of the most important considerations that must be thought about is the child’s safety and health. Things like neglect or abuse can change the direction of child custody matters because it’s expected that a parent will provide a nurturing and safe home environment.
Another factor is the quality of the relationship between the child and each parent. This doesn’t have to do solely with the amount of time the parent and child spend together, but being the primary caregiver matters. Instead, it has to do with how much they’re bonded.
The relationship between parents can also impact child custody. The courts tend to favor a parent who will encourage the child’s relationship with the other parent. Parental alienation is always viewed in a negative light.
California doesn’t have a strict age at which children can have an input into which parent they live with, but that becomes a factor in some cases. The child must be able to provide reasons behind why they chose one parent.
Parents who are going through a child custody situation, such as creating a parenting plan, must ensure they understand the factors and options that are present in their case. It may be beneficial for them to work with someone who’s familiar with these matters.