Couples who are considering undergoing a divorce have many questions about the road ahead. One of the most concerning questions they tend to have is who gets custody of their children. In the state of New York, there are various factors that a judge will use to determine what child custody arrangement is best.
The best interest of the child
Complex child custody cases are all determined in the best interest of the child. The judge will use a variety of different factors to determine exactly what is best for the individual child in question. The child’s safety and health is the most paramount concern of the presiding judge.
A look at the factors that determine custody
When both parents want custody of their children, the judge will look at a few different factors to determine what the ideal placement is for the child. Their biggest concern is going to be identifying which parent has been the main caregiver of the child. If a child is used to spending more time around a parent who is a nurturer, the judge is more likely to provide that parent with custody of the child.
Going through a divorce can be a very taxing process, both physically and mentally, for parents. Family law judges know this, and they will assess the physical and mental health of the parents when determining which one gets custody or how custody is split. Additionally, judges will look at each parent’s work schedule and their child care plans to determine which ones are best suited for the lifestyle of the child.
Child custody cases are one of the most difficult for everybody involved. At the end of the day, the judge is looking to determine what custody arrangement features the best interest of the child. If you find yourself in a child custody battle, it’s highly advisable that you speak to an experienced attorney to set yourself up for the best chance of success.