When Ohio family law courts decide child custody cases, they base their decisions on the best interests of the child. They determine the best interest of the child by considering a list of factors to determine what is in the best interests of the child.
Determining the child’s best interests
There are several factors that will be closely considered to determine what child custody arrangement will best meet the needs of the child including:
- Both the wishes of the parents and the wishes of the child will be considered.
- The child’s relationship with others including extended family and grandparents.
- The child’s adjustment to home, school and community with the goal of maintaining a stable environment for the child.
- The mental and physical health conditions of the children.
- Which parent is more likely to honor and facilitate parenting time or if a parent is likely to fail to grant parenting time rights.
- If a parent has failed to pay child support.
- Any history of domestic violence, abuse or neglect.
- If one of the parents has the intent to reside out of state.
The family law court will also consider any other relevant factor and which parent has been the primary caregiver for the child. The family law court may also consider if a parent has had an adverse impact on the child.
Child custody is likely one of your primary concerns during your divorce process. For that reason, it is helpful to understand what child custody determination are based on so that you can help the family law court arrive at a child custody arrangement that is best for your child.