California Family Code Section 3011 explains what “best interest of the child” means. Under the code, judges must consider several factors when they’re making a determination on child custody – and they’re all related to what will help the children the most. Judges look at things like:
• The health, safety and welfare of the child
• Whether one parent has a history of being abusive
• The nature and amount of contact the child has with each parent
• Whether one parent habitually or continually uses illegal drugs, abuses alcohol or abuses prescription medication
• Other factors that can affect the child’s well-being