If you’re facing a child custody battle, you may already know that the judge’s final decision will come down to the best interests of your children. To determine these interests, the court will consider a variety of factors. Here are some of the biggest influencers when it comes to custody and visitation arrangements. 

3 Major Factors That Affect Child Custody 

1. Each Parent’s Ability to Provide a Stable Home 

Family law judges only award custody to people who can provide a stable living environment for the children involved. To determine this, they will consider each parent’s mental and physical health, work history, and earning capacity. They will also evaluate each party’s romantic relationships since the split. The court wants to make sure you haven’t introduced the kids to a string of partners or moved in with someone after just a few weeks of dating. 

2. Each Parent’s Role in the Children’s Everyday Lives

It’s not uncommon for just one parent to handle most of the children’s caregiving needs. The judge is going to ask questions to determine if this is the dynamic in your family. For example, who gets the kids ready for school in the morning and helps them with their homework at night? Who drives them to sports practice and slumber parties? Who stays home with them when they're sick? If only one parent does all of the above, they may be the one who ends up with custody. 

3. Logistical Considerations 

For a child custody arrangement to be successful, it must be practical. As such, the court is going to consider various logistical factors before awarding custody. Examples include each parent’s job duties, daily schedule, and geographic location. If one parent goes away on lengthy but unpredictable business trips every month, for example, the other may get primary custody. 

If you’re trying to obtain child custody, turn to the Law Office of Michael Davidson, PLLC for guidance. Based in Lexington, KY, this firm is led by a seasoned attorney who has more than three decades of experience practicing family law. His areas of expertise include child custody, divorce, domestic violence, and protective orders. To see what previous clients have to say about the counsel he provides, visit his website, or call (859) 225-1717 to schedule a consultation.