CHILD CUSTODY

All about who can gain child custody, how to gain child custody, and how certain factors affect custody.

Child Custody: Welcome

CHILD CUSTODY IN THE WEST

Alaska:

In Alaska, factors like the length of the marriage, age, and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child.

California:

In California, child custody is determined based on multiple different factors. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like the length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. The court also looks into the marriage when determining child custody, as they see if domestic violence occurred during the marriage. If so, that can heavily sway the court, in terms of who has custody. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child.

Colorado:

The courts in Colorado favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious.

Hawaii:

Children in Hawaii are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen.

Idaho:

The courts in Idaho favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child.Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. The courts also looks into the marriage when determining child custody, as they see if domestic violence occurred during the marriage. If so, that can heavily sway the court, in terms of who has custody. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child.

Montana:

In Montana, things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child.

Nevada:

In Nevada, the courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. The court also looks into the marriage when determining child custody, as they see if domestic violence occurred during the marriage. If so, that can heavily sway the court, in terms of who has custody. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious.

Oregon:

In Oregon, the child custody process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say.

Utah:

In Utah, children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen.

Washington:

In courts in Washington, children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen.

Wyoming:

In Wyoming, children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen.

Child Custody: Text

Child Custody: Image

CHILD CUSTODY IN THE MIDWEST

Illinois:

The courts in Illinois favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious.

Indiana:

In Indiana, a Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say.

Iowa:

In courts in Iowa, children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen.

Kansas:

In Kansas, children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen.

Michigan:

In Michigan courts, children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen.

Minnesota:

In Minnesota, child custody is determined based on multiple different factors. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. The court also looks into the marriage when determining child custody, as they see if domestic violence occurred during the marriage. If so, that can heavily sway the court, in terms of who has custody. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child.

Missouri:

Children in Missouri are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen.

Nebraska:

The courts in Nebraska favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child.

North Dakota:

In North Dakota, children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen.

Ohio:

In Ohio, a Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say.

South Dakota:

The courts in South Dakota favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child.

Wisconsin:

In Wisconsin, child custody is determined based on multiple different factors. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. The court also looks into the marriage when determining child custody, as they see if domestic violence occurred during the marriage. If so, that can heavily sway the court, in terms of who has custody. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child.

Child Custody: Text

Child Custody: Image

CHILD CUSTODY IN THE SOUTHWEST

Arizona:

In Arizona, child custody is determined based on multiple different factors. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like the length of the marriage, age, and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. The court also looks into the marriage when determining child custody, as they see if domestic violence occurred during the marriage. If so, that can heavily sway the court, in terms of who has custody. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child.

New Mexico:

In New Mexico, child custody is determined based on multiple different factors. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like the length of the marriage, age, and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. The court also looks into the marriage when determining child custody, as they see if domestic violence occurred during the marriage. If so, that can heavily sway the court, in terms of who has custody. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child.

Oklahoma:

When determining child custody, courts in Oklahoma generally prefer to give out joint custody, as it makes it easier for the child to adjust to the new normal. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child.

Texas:

The courts favor joint custody in Texas, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. The court also looks into the marriage when determining child custody, as they see if domestic violence occurred during the marriage. If so, that can heavily sway the court, in terms of who has custody. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child.

Child Custody: Text

Child Custody: Image

CHILD CUSTODY IN THE NORTHEAST

Connecticut:

In Connecticut, child custody is determined based on multiple different factors. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. The court also looks into the marriage when determining child custody, as they see if domestic violence occurred during the marriage. If so, that can heavily sway the court, in terms of who has custody. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child.

Delaware:

The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious.

Maine:

Maryland:

Children in Maryland are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child.

Massachusetts:

The courts in Massachusetts prefer when parents can work together and decide upon joint custody, as it can create a healthier, more stable environment for the child to grow up in. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say.

New Hampshire:

New Jersey:

New York:

In New York, a Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. Children may have some say in who they live with, but it is ultimately up to the court to decide who the child lives with. Joint custody may be given if the court feels the parents can cooperate and give the child a healthy upbringing together.

Pennsylvania:

The courts in Pennsylvania favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious.

Rhode Island:

The courts in Rhode Island favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious.

Vermont:

In Vermont, the courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious.

Child Custody: Text

Child Custody: Image

CHILD CUSTODY IN THE SOUTHEAST

Alabama:

When determining child custody in Alabama, courts typically look at how long the marriage lasted, how old the child is, how old each parent is and their health, their income level, whether the couple can maintain joint custody, whether there was any domestic violence in the marriage, and the child's wishes.

Arkansas:

In Arkansas, courts typically determine child custody by first seeing if joint custody is something the parents will agree on. Courts in Arkansas favor joint custody, as it can make it easier for children to adjust to a new normal. Children can have a say in where they live, but they will never have the final say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child.

Florida:

In Florida, child custody is determined based on multiple different factors. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. The court also looks into the marriage when determining child custody, as they see if domestic violence occurred during the marriage. If so, that can heavily sway the court, in terms of who has custody. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child.

Georgia:

Georgia family courts prefer when families choose joint custody plans, as it can make the adjustment period easier for the child. Children may voice their opinion on where they want to live, but it is ultimately up to the court. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. Factors like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen.

Kentucky:

In Kentucky, factors like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child.

Louisiana:

In Louisiana, Tthe courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. The court also looks into the marriage when determining child custody, as they see if domestic violence occurred during the marriage. If so, that can heavily sway the court, in terms of who has custody. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child.

Mississippi:

The courts in Mississippi favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. The court also looks into the marriage when determining child custody, as they see if domestic violence occurred during the marriage. If so, that can heavily sway the court, in terms of who has custody. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child.

North Carolina:

Not a lot of things affect how the court decides child custody in North Carolina. Joint custody is always the first option they look at as a custody plan, as it keeps the child's life a little more stable. Children may voice their opinions on where they would like to live, but it is never the primary deciding factor.

South Carolina:

Children are in South Carolina allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child.

Tennessee:

In Tennessee, child custody is determined based on multiple different factors. The courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. The court also looks into the marriage when determining child custody, as they see if domestic violence occurred during the marriage. If so, that can heavily sway the court, in terms of who has custody. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child.

Virginia:

The courts in Virginia favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious.

West Virginia:

In West Virginia, the courts favor joint custody, as it can help children adjust to a new normal, but it is not always in the best interest of the child. Things like length of marriage, age and welfare of each parent, and income of each parent can contribute to a specific child custody plan being chosen. Children are allowed to voice their opinions on who they would rather live with more, but it is not the last say. A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the interests/best interests of the child. The process is streamlined when the parents are cooperative and work together, as it is less contentious.

Child Custody: Text

Child Custody: Image