Determining who will have primary custody of a child is important. While many parents share custody around 50-50, many cases end with one parent having custody of the child more often than the other.
The person who is the primary guardian will be the one who can provide the best care to the child. That means being able to support them well, being available to them for their emotional needs and having a good relationship with them.
Some people worry that having less money than the other parent may influence the outcome of a custody case, but that’s not necessarily true. Although having more money may suggest that the wealthier parent can better support the child, that doesn’t mean that they will be home or that they have a good relationship with them. That’s why courts taken into consideration so many different factors.
What are some important factors in custody cases?
Other than the financial factors that may influence your case, some other factors that will be considered include:
- Your child’s wishes, if they are old enough to have a preference
- Your relationship with your child and how involved you are
- Each parent’s ability to support the child
- Your financial resources
- Familial support
…and other important factors that may be specific to your case.
If you’re concerned about being the parent who earns less or who may be less financially stable but still want to see your child as much as possible, it’s important to talk to your attorney about how you can put your best foot forward in court.
You may be able to set up a plan that works for you outside of court, which will give you the best opportunity to create a schedule on which you both agree, but if not, you want to show a judge that you are involved in your children’s lives and want to continue to be.