Taking the decision to break up a family is no easy thing, but in many circumstances, it is the only option left and is sometimes necessary. What comes next is probably the most difficult part of the process, and this is determining who gets to have custody of the child involved. It could be a complex process, and if you’re concerned because you have no idea what goes into it, then it’s about time you understood what factors are used to determine a child custody. It’s important that you look into the laws pertaining to the country you reside in. And in general, you need to know what it takes and how to get custody of child details so that you are better informed once you get into the process.
This will do a lot in helping ease the stress of what comes next, and what you need to do to ensure that your child has what’s best for them with minimal stress.
The parent’s ability to care for the child
The most important factor that the court will take into consideration is each parent’s ability to care for the child. They will assess the parent’s health, lifestyle and overall treatment of the child and how much time and effort is put in from each end. Something that is also kept in consideration is whether the parent’s are willing and understanding of the need of the child to have contact with both parents. A parent’s ability to be civil and level headed regardless of the circumstances goes a long way to work in your favor. For example, a working parent versus a stay at home parent would definitely sway more towards the one who doesn’t work because they will be able to contribute more in the care of the child throughout the day as needed.
Convenience & consistency in the child’s life
Where each of the parent’s will live once the separation occurs is important. Is the location convenient for where the child goes to school? The court pays close attention and gives great consideration to not having the child’s life disrupted in a big way that could cause them distressed or trauma. So seeing where the child currently lives and where they go to school will play into the final decision.
The child’s preference
In many cases, if the child is old enough, the court will certainly take into consideration what their preference will be. This will not determine the final decision, but it will definitely give more weight and dimension as to what is more ideal when it comes to the child’s well being. This can be a difficult ordeal to put the child through though because it puts them under an immense amount of pressure and guilt to have to choose and make a decision like this.
When going through this process, it’s most preferable if you can keep the child out of the decision making because this could traumatize them. Putting your child in the position where they have to take sides can scar them for life, so no matter what differences you and your partner have, it’s best to put them aside for the well-being of your child. Try to be civil and work out the arrangement as much as you can for the sake of the child.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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