What Do Courts Look at to Determine “The Best Interests of the Child”?

The physical and emotional needs of the child.

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The parental skills and abilities of anyone seeking custody or visitation.

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Any potential emotional or physical danger faced by the child, now or in the future.

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The stability of the home where the child will reside.

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Any acts or omissions by either parent that are inappropriate in a child-parent relationship. (as well as any legitimate excuses for such conduct.)

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Whether there are programs available to help the parents promote the best interests of the child.

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The wishes of the child.

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Plans for the child by the person seeking custody or visitation.

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If there is no surviving spouse, child or parent of the deceased, the entire estate will be divided equally among any surviving siblings

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