How will a judge decide custody?

When determining custody and visitation, a judge will consider what is in the best interests of the child(ren). Some factors a judge may consider include:
– who has been the child’s primary caretaker
– the quality of each parent’s home environment
– how "fit" the judge thinks each parent is (stable home and lifestyle, good judgment, has a job, good mental and physical health)
– which parent the child is living with now, and for how long
– each parent’s ability to provide emotional and intellectual support for the child
– which parent allows the other parent into the child’s life (does not try to cut out the other parent)
– if the child is old enough, which parent the child wants to live with
– whether your child would be separated from any siblings
– whether either parent has been abusive
A judge must consider whether there has been domestic violence.
For more detailed answers to frequently asked questions on custody, visit CourtHelp.