Child Custody

Child custody is the central issue of any divorce if the spouses have minor children from the marriage. There is a presumption that both parents should share the duties and rights of raising a child. However, guided by the best interests of the child, the judge always considers each divorce case separately.

To determine what would be the best for the child in a particular case, the judge weighs numerous factors including but not limited to the wishes and preferences of the child and parents, the nature of the parent-child relationship, the mental and physical health of the parties involved, and the parents' ability to respect and support each other's parenting.

If a court awards joint custody, then both parents can participate in making important decisions in the child's life, and both parents will have the right to spend equal time with the child. The court can also order the child to only reside with one parent, while giving the second parent visitation hours. As the court is primarily guided by the best interests of the child, after a divorce, the child shall live in the safest and most comfortable conditions.