Do all custody cases go to trial?
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Do all custody cases go to trial?
In custody or parenting time cases, courts will require the parties to attempt to resolve the matter by mediation before allowing a hearing on the merits. A common myth among the community is that family law cases are decided by a jury. They are not. All family law cases are heard by a trial judge.
What do judges look for in child custody cases?
Judges must decide custody based on “the best interests of the child." The “best interests of the child” law requires courts to focus on the child's needs and not the parent's needs. The law requires courts to give custody to the parent who can meet the child's needs best .
What happens when a custody case goes to trial?
A “trial,” on the other hand, is a final hearing where the judge will decide all remaining issues and grant a final order. In custody cases, usually the terms "trial" and "evidentiary hearing" mean the same thing since they both typically revolve around deciding custody matters.
