Custody cases are complex. The court must consider the children’s best interests, but even in lengthy trials, it only gets a snapshot of their lives with each parent. You must know the primary factors in Southbury child custody cases to present persuasive evidence of being a suitable custodial parent.
To get individualized advice based on your situation, speak to one of our compassionate child custody attorneys. They can take a comprehensive view of your child’s life and decide which facts to present to the court for a favorable outcome.
A child’s physical and emotional safety is the court’s top priority. If a child is in danger of neglect or abuse in one parent’s home, the court needs that information. They will take into account a history of domestic violence, mental health issues, and child or substance abuse.
It may seem reasonable to keep a child completely away from a parent that poses a potential danger. However, even when safety is a concern, the justice system wants children to have access to both parents whenever possible. Because of this, they may limit visitation time or require supervised visitation when safety is a factor in a Southbury child custody case.
The court will consider each child’s age, interests, personality, and needs when making their decision. Determining custody becomes more critical if a child has medical, emotional, or educational needs.
If either parent has special skills related to those needs or has historically been the primary caretaker, it can impact the court’s decision. Additionally, a court will examine whether a parent can provide a stable environment, including their living situation and income.
Many people behave poorly during custody disputes, including through the following actions:
Southbury courts can and will look at the parents’ behavior as a vital factor in a child custody case. Unfortunately, this can cause a parent who has legitimate complaints about domestic violence or child abuse but no evidence to avoid disclosing the matter, fearing it will look like false allegations.
A knowledgeable lawyer can outline the pros and cons of bringing up these concerns and work to achieve the desired custody arrangement that prioritizes the safety of the children.
Child custody does not only impact a child’s relationship with their parents but also other family members. The court should consider whether parents have primary custody or visitation with the child’s siblings, including half-siblings.
The court will also examine whether the custodial parent will facilitate the child’s interactions with family members, including the other parent’s relatives. As long as these relationships benefit the child, the custodial parent should nurture them.
Custody cases can be extraordinarily complicated. The court does not take these matters lightly and will consider every aspect of the child’s life and how each type of custody will impact them.
At Dolan Divorce Lawyer, PLLC, we understand the complexities of divorce and guardianship. Our dedicated family attorneys can help you understand all the factors in Southbury child custody cases and prepare an argument to achieve the best outcome for you and your children. Schedule an initial consultation with us today to discuss your case.