If you are like most parents, there is no way you can believe that a random Connecticut judge knows what is best for your children. After all, you are the parent and have been with your kids from the moment they were born. Who could know more about their best interests than you?
As it turns out, those random judges and courts know a lot about what is good for children and what is not good for them. They also know that your emotions can get the best of you during sensitive divorce negotiations, especially those involving your children.
The best interests of the child standard
You might fear the judge in your Fairfield County custody case will use their opinions or personal belief system to make decisions about your kids. Perhaps you will feel better knowing that family courts rely on the best interests of the child standard when making these decisions.
Some of the factors Connecticut family court judges look at (regarding each parent) to determine a child’s best interests include:
- Parenting skills in general
- Alcohol or drug abuse problems
- Condition of each parent’s home
- Environmental stability and continuity
- Coercive or manipulative behavior patterns
- The time each parent can spend with the children daily
- Possible psychological instability in one or both parents
- Willingness to encourage visitation with the other parent
- Recommendations from a Family Relations Division report
The examples above are only a few of the factors judges study before making child custody decisions. If you are concerned about losing access to your kids or believe your co-parent is incapable of caring for them, understanding the state child custody laws and procedures can point to a possible solution.