One of the most hotly debated issues in many divorces is child custody. The court will decide on an arrangement that is in the “best interest” of the child, but what does that mean exactly? Our Dallas County child custody lawyers can tell you a bit about that.

What Kind of Custody Arrangement is in the Best Interest of the Child?

The court almost always believes that it is in the best interest of the child to have a custody arrangement in which they can maintain a relationship with both parents. There have to be some severe circumstances in order to convince the court that only one parent should have physical or legal custody.

In most cases, the child is better off having a relationship with both parents. Even if one parent has physical custody most of the time, the other parent will be able to visit on weekends and other designated days. Both parents can also share legal custody even when a child spends more time at the home of one of their parents. This allows both parents to weigh in on important matters like medical decisions or where the child goes to school.

The top priority is always going to be the happiness, security, and health of the child. If, for some reason, maintaining a relationship with one of their parents has adverse effects, an argument against that parent having any kind of custody or visitation can be revoked.

What Factors Are Considered When Deciding What is in the Child’s Best Interest?

When trying to figure out which kind of custody arrangement will work out in the best interest of the child, a court will have a few important matters to consider. Before a decision is reached, a judge is probably going to want to learn more about:

  • The existing relationship between the child and their parents
  • The age of the child
  • The presence of any step-siblings
  • The child’s relationship with each parent’s extended family
  • The mental and physical health of each parent
  • The ability of each parent to provide a stable home environment
  • Whether a child has special needs that must be met
  • Any history of domestic violence or abuse
  • If a parent has substance abuse issues

When a judge considers all of these elements, it can make it easier for them to figure out the best interest of the child and what kind of custody, child support, and visitation arrangements should be made.

Does the Child’s Opinion Matter in a Custody Case?

A child’s opinion can matter, but their age and maturity are a major factor. Younger kids can be manipulated, so any family court judge would want to be sure that opinions offered by the child are their own before allowing them to affect any custody arrangement.

Contact Our Family Lawyers

Our experienced attorneys can help you fight for a fair custody arrangement. Contact Iowa Defenders, PLLC and ask to schedule a consultation with our team. We want to hear more about your case so that we can tell you how our lawyers can assist you.