Child custody is an important legal concept that is often attached to the divorce process. That is because when two parents end their legal relationship, the impact of the split can have drastic consequences on the lives of their children. Of short-term concern, however, is the need for the parents to work out a plan to provide their children with support and care following the dissolution of their marriage.
Ohio courts look at a lot of factors to decide where a child should live and who should have decision-making power over their life when their parents divorce. They do this to understand the child’s specific needs and not just the needs of kids in general. This post will discuss on a child’s best interests are evaluated during a child custody hearing, but this post should not be used as specific legal advice or guidance.
Factors to consider during the child custody process
Courts look at factors related to children, their parents, and their relationships when deciding how to assign divorce-related custody. Some of those factors include:
- The desires of the parents
- The desires of the child if they are capable of forming them with sufficient maturity
- The health of the parents and the child
- The relationships between the parents and child, and between the parents
- The ability of the parents to work together to benefit their child
Evidence and testimony can shape the outcome of a child custody hearing when so many factors are considered to ensure a child is cared for after a divorce.
Possible outcomes to the child custody process
Child custody hearings often end with decisions about how a child will be supported. They can involve joint or sole custody concerning both physical and legal custody matters. They can specify plans for how parents must share their children and the procedures they must follow to protect their kids’ interests and needs. Child custody hearings can be tough, but parents can support their kids throughout when they work with trusted family law attorneys.
