What do judges look for in child custody cases?

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 .

How do you present evidence in a child custody case?

The most common types of evidence offered in a child custody case includes witnesses, journals, emails, text messages, voicemails, letters, photographs, videos, audio recordings, schedules, and records such as financial, medical, school and police reports.

What happens after custody papers are served?

The right course of action after being served with custody papers is to take a moment (or two) to collect your thoughts, and then seek an attorney who handles child custody cases. Doing so is the best way of protecting your legal rights as a parent and ensuring the best possible outcome to the custody case.

Can text messages be used in child custody cases?

In family law cases, both sides will need to present evidence to the court to support their proposed property, support, and child custody orders. As long as the text message is sent by one the opposing party, and is a statement against that party's interest, it may be admissible in court.

Can joints be physical custody?

Joint physical custody (also called shared physical custody, shared residential custody, shared parenting time, etc.) means that your child spends substantial time living with both parents, and both have equal responsibility to physically care for the child. Parents agree that it's in the best interest of their child.

What is the most common child custody arrangement?

The most common arrangement is one in which one parent has sole physical custody, both parents have legal custody, and the noncustodial parent is granted visitation time.