If you ask any parent going through a divorce what their primary concern is, they are likely to bring up child custody concerns as a main concern. It can be helpful for divorcing parents, worried about child custody, to be familiar with how child custody is determined in Maryland.
How child custody determinations are made
Child custody determinations are made based on what is in the best interests of the child. The family law court evaluates any factor it deems relevant to determine what child custody arrangement would be in the best interests of the child. Reaching a child custody arrangement that is best for the child focuses on a child custody arrangement that best serves the child’s overall well-being and safety.
Factors used to determine child custody
Factors that may be considered when determining what child custody arrangement would be in the child’s best interests includes the child’s relationships with siblings and others living in the home; the need for consistency and continuity in the child’s education, family life and community; which parent is most likely to care for the daily physical, emotional, developmental and educational needs of the child; which parent is able to care for any special needs of the child; and which parent is most likely to maintain a stable, loving, consistent and nurturing relationship with the child.
All of these factors may be evaluated and taken into account to determine what child custody arrangement will be best for the child, meet the child’s needs and ensure the child’s safety. For that reason, it is helpful for divorcing parents to be familiar with this process so they can work together to reach a child custody arrangement that is best for their child.