Introduction to the case
One of the most challenging and emotional decisions the courts have to make is awarding custody to parents. They have to take their time, think carefully, and painstakingly look at the evidence presented before them before making any decisions. Courts consider several factors when deciding which parent is awarded custody and this video will be talking about 10 of those factors. It should be noted that when any decision regarding child custody is made, the wellbeing of the child is a priority of the court so that is what the court considers paramount when thinking about awarding custody.
1. The Childâs Age and Needs
The age of the child and their specific emotional, physical, and developmental needs play a huge role when awarding custody. Younger children may require more stability and routine, while teenagers might have stronger opinions about where they want to live. Some children may prefer living with their mothers, while some their fathers. The judges look at these when giving custody.
2. Parent-Child Relationship
Judges look closely at the bond between each parent and the child. A parent who has been actively involved in the childâs daily life is more likely to be awarded custody because the child is already close to them.
3. Stability of Each Parentâs Home
Before awarding custody to a parent, the court looks at the stability of the parent’s home. The court looks at their living situation to see if it is comfortable for a child. The judge considers several factors like safe housing, proximity to schools, and access to healthcare when determining if an environment is stable for the child.
4. Mental and Physical Health of Each Parent
Being a parent takes a lot of work. Not everyone is mentally and physically fit to be one. So, the courts consider the mental and physical health of a parent before granting them custody to ensure they can meet the demands of parenthood. If a parent has drugs or substance abuse, or mental health issues that will affect parenthood, the court will consider a parent that is fit to take up the task.
5. Ability to Provide Basic Needs
Parents have a responsibility to provide food, clothing, education, and medical care to their child. So, when a parent has more capacity to consistently provide the basic needs for their children the court will grant them custody.
6. Co-Parenting Willingness
Some parents view custody as a battle that must be won but it is about teamwork. So, judges often favor parents who are willing to co-parent. They may even be willing to grant joint custody to the parents. Judges do this because they want to encourage a positive relationship between the child and both parents.
7. Childâs PreferenceÂ
Besides all the other factors that have been considered, as a child private detective we have seen several times that judges consider the child’s preference. Depending on the age of the child, the court can ask the child who they will feel more comfortable staying with. The court puts this and several other factors into consideration.
8. History of Abuse or Neglect
The well-being of a child is a priority. So, any parent who has a history of abusing the child and neglecting the child will not be awarded custody. Domestic violence and any history of abuse of any kind is a red flag. So, the court considers the safety of the child.
9. Continuity and Routine
Disruption affects not just children but adults too. This is why courts try their utmost best to minimize disruptions of any kind to the children’s routine. When the judge sees that maintaining the childâs current social environment, friends, community and school is better, the parent who can make that happen will be awarded custody.
10. Each Parentâs Work Schedule
The tenth thing the courts put into consideration is the work schedule of the parent. A child has to be under the supervision of a parent. So any parent who has a more flexible schedule and has a child-friendly work arrangement will likely be considered for child custody.
Conclusion
There you have it, the things judges consider when granting child custody to parents. Besides being a good parent take your time to get medical documents, proof of involvement in the life of your child, and other things that will help you argue for the child’s custody. Do not let your child go without a fight. At OKC Private Investigations & Process Server in Oklahoma, we see the Importance of getting the best private investigation services and legal services you can get. So, for more insights or our services, visit us at  www.privateinvestigatoroklahomacity.com you can email us at vivien@ojpslegal.com.