What is considered in determining custody?

When it comes time to address parenting matters in a divorce, many parents find it very difficult to face the idea of not spending every day with their child as they once did. Custody is often one of the most contested matters in divorce because parents feel so strongly about being able to be the parent they want to be for their child. The idea that a parent may only be able to see their child occasionally can be devastating. It is important to be aware of the factors that are considered when the court determines child custody.

The court will always act in what they believe is in the best interest of the child. However, this doesn’t always line up with everyone else in the courtroom, mainly the parent who just lost custody of their child. Some of the other factors that are taken into consideration when the court tries to determine which parent should be granted the majority of parenting time include:

• the relationship between the parent and the child
• the stability of the home life each parent can provide
• the parent’s ability to cater to the child’s special needs, if any
• the parents’ acceptance of custody
• whether either parent has a history of domestic violence or substance abuse
• each parent’s ability to provide for the child

If you have questions about matters related to custody in your divorce case, contact an experienced family law attorney today.

If you require strong legal representation for matters related to divorce or family law, Haber Silver Russoniello & Dunn is here to help. We proudly represent clients in Morris County and throughout New Jersey. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.