Care of Children Act 2004, ss 4, 64
In making a decision about the care arrangements for a child, the most important thing the court will consider is the welfare and best interest of the child. The court has to recognise that it is important for both parents to be in the child’s life.
This means that the court will usually make a decision that makes sure the child is able to have a continued relationship with both parents, unless that would not be in the child’s best interests.