What do courts consider when making child custody decisions?
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What do courts consider when making child custody decisions?

On Behalf of | Jul 23, 2021 | child custody

Child custody is a significant legal issue that carries with it many emotional components. When Pennsylvania parents choose to end their relationship, they may have considerable concerns about how their separation or divorce will impact their children. Attorneys who work in the field of divorce and family law can provide them with specific information on the many nuances of their unique divorce cases.

However, in Pennsylvania, courts attempt to provide child custody outcomes that meet the best interests of the children who will be affected by their orders. This informational post will discuss some of the factors that courts take into consideration when they make decisions about custody. This post does not provide any legal advice or guidance, though, and readers are encouraged to seek their own counsel on their individual legal issues.

Best interests and relevant factors

Readers should understand that the best interests of children can vary. There is no one size fits all child custody plan that will work for all kids and all families. Because of this, courts must look at many factors to decide how best to achieve child custody orders that meet the needs of specific children. Those factors can include:

  • The wishes of the child
  • How close the child’s parents live to each other
  • Histories of abuse or negligence
  • Relationships with siblings, friends, school, and community
  • Roles the parents have played in the child’s life

These are only some of the many factors that courts can evaluate during child custody determinations. Their investigations maybe broad to ensure that they have considered all relevant factors that could impact child custody for specific families.

Advocacy for child custody

In many families, parents are the best resources of information about their children. Their dedication and love for their kids can inspire them to help courts determine the best interests of their children. Parents do not have to advocate for their kids on their own, however, as they can lean on their trusted divorce and family law lawyers for support and representation on child custody issues.

 

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