When confronted with a pending divorce or separation from one’s partner, an Ohio parent may have concerns about how best to approach the sensitive topic of child custody. The best interests of the children affected by child custody decisions guides how those determinations are made, and to establish best interests for a child many factors must be considered. This post will touch on some of the issues that may be relevant to individual child custody matters.
One of the biggest considerations that courts may assess is the health of both the child and their parents. A child with special medical needs may require a caregiver who is available throughout the day and this may be difficult for a parent who works in a full-time job. Similarly, if a parent struggles with mental illness or is unable to provide care to their child, the child’s interests may be better served if they are placed with their other parent.
Depending on the child’s age and maturity, their preference may be considered during a custody hearing. The relationship that the child has with each parent is imperative to making a successful custody plan, as is the willingness of the parents to find common ground on which to stand to support their shared children.
There are no easy answers when it comes to child custody matters and parents who have read this post are reminded that different child custody cases may have different results. Attorneys who practice family law are well positioned to help their clients work through the child custody factors that may influence how their children’s post-divorce care will be established.