When you have a child, you’ll do everything possible to ensure they are healthy and cared for. However, when you get a divorce and have to split parenting time, it can be challenging for everyone invovled. While in decades past, the mother was almost always awarded custody in these matters, states have shifted to ensuring that custody is in the best interest of the child. However, many aren’t entirely sure what this means or what factors influence this decision. If divorcing, understanding the child’s best interest standard is critical. Additionally, you’ll discover how Tampa child custody lawyers can help assist you through these complicated times.

What Is the Child’s Best Interest?

Essentially, when issuing a decision regarding child custody, the courts must prioritize the best interest of the child. This means they must place the child in a situation where they will receive the care they need to thrive and succeed. Essentially, this places the health, happiness, and well-being of the child above the wants and requests of the parents.

In some instances where children are deemed mature enough to explicate their wishes, the court may find that what they want is not in their best interest. For example, if a child wants to live with their father because he is less strict about completing homework and lets them skip school often, the courts would find that this is not in the child’s best interest so they would not prioritize this.

What Factors Will the Courts Consider When Deciding These Matters?

To determine what custody arrangement is in the best interest of the child, the courts will consider several factors on a case-by-case basis. However, the courts in Flordia begin by assuming that equal custody is in the best interest of the child, as it’s believed that having a relationship with both parents is beneficial for the child. However, they still must As such, the courts will consider the following factors:

  • The health and age of each parent
  • The income and job demands of each parent
  • Who the child’s primary caretaker was prior to the divorce
  • Where each parent will live in proximity to one another
  • The ability of each parent to meet the needs of the child
  • The stability of each home
  • If there is a history of substance abuse, domestic violence, or neglect
  • Any additional factors the courts deem relevant in these matters

Even if it may not be in the best interest of the child to live with both parents equally, the courts may still grant visitation rights to one parent as they could believe it’s best for the child to see both parents regularly.

As you can see, these matters can be incredibly complex. As such, it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney from Tampa Law Group who can help you navigate these complicated matters. We understand how nervewracking a custody decision can be, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you through these times. Contact our firm today to learn how we can guide you through these matters.