Child custody is a delicate matter that requires a court to weigh several factors when making a decision between two parents. Both parties in a divorce can make strong cases for why they should be chosen to provide daily care for their children, but it’s up to a judge to determine the ideal outcome for the child.

How the Court Decides in Child Custody Cases

1. Ability to Provide

A judge will question both parents to determine which is most capable of providing for the child financially. However, a parent can have plenty of financial resources but no desire to offer emotional support to their child.

Judges are experienced at asking strategic questions and seeking evidence that shows which parent is equipped to provide full care. They examine such facts as how each parent manages money and who currently pays for the child’s medical expenses.

2. Emotional Bond

It is challenging for most parents to separate from their children during a divorce, but it’s typical for one parent to have a stronger emotional bond than the other.

A judge might question each parent about the child’s likes and dislikes and ask probing questions about their relationship with the child. The court will also ask the child’s opinion and factor in their preference.

3. Living Situation

When a couple divorces, one spouse might retain the family home, which provides a familiar and stable environment for their children. However, the other spouse is allowed to prove they also can provide a safe and stable living situation, which means the court must also consider how close each parent lives to the child’s school, who else lives in the home, and their distance to the child’s close relatives and friends.

If you are considering divorce and have questions about child custody, you need the guidance of an experienced and compassionate attorney. Lawyers at Katzman, Logan, Halper and Bennett in Cincinnati, OH, have more than 100 years of combined experience in matters of family law, personal injury, and estate planning. Call (513) 793-4400 to request a consultation, and visit their website to explore their practice areas.