Judges will evaluate various “best interest” factors to determine an effective child custody arrangement. Those factors include, but are not limited to:
The parent’s ability and willingness to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care, and other needs.
The parent’s ability to care for the child’s safety, wellbeing, and physical, mental, and emotional health
The current and future mental and physical health needs are the child
The mental, physical, and emotional health of the parent
The presence of domestic violence or neglect
The relationship between the child and their current custodian
The child’s ability to form a significant relationship with the parent
The child’s preferences (if a judge finds them fit to express their preferences)