What Does "Best Interest of the Child" Mean?

Your children are young. They are going through a very difficult time that could affect them for the rest of their lives. Divorce, Child Custody and Termination of parental rights are hard on families going through changes. They are especially difficult for children. Nearly all courts base their decisions on what is in the best interest of the child. When there are parenting decisions to be made and parents cannot agree, family court judges will use this standard to make decisions.

Evidence of consistent parenting ability, and their conduct and fitness

Opinions of expert witnesses

Age, and health of children

Who has been the primary caregiver

medical, emotional and psychological factors of parents and children

Safety of the children

spiritual development

home environment