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When a divorcing couple cannot resolve child custody and visitation issues, a family court will make a determination. In almost every state, the court weighs a variety of crucial factors and bases its decision on the child's best interests.

According to Bates Law Firm PLLC, a child custody and divorce attorney based in Wadesboro, NC, the judge in a child custody case will consider these elements:

  • Existing Bonds: In general, family courts recognize the emotional ties children share with parents and siblings are important to their emotional and mental health. The court may avoid asking the child which parent they prefer and instead choose the parent who handles most of the caretaking and knows more about the child’s interests, thoughts, and preferences.
  • Wadesbory-NC-child-custodyAbility To Provide Support: The court also will look at the finances of both parents to ensure the child's material needs are met. If one parent earns more money but shows less inclination to care for the child, the court probably will order them to pay child support.
  • Stability: Going through a divorce can be emotionally traumatic, but children who have the advantage of stability usually will recover from the sudden change. The court may ask about proposed living arrangements, whether the child must move, and how they have adjusted to their new life under the current living arrangement. In general, child custody judges try to subject children to as little turmoil as possible.

As an established member of the Wadesboro, NC, community, Bates Law Firm PLLC provides high-quality legal advice to families facing a variety of challenging situations. For help with child custody, call (704) 694-0195 or send a message on their website, where you will find more information about their services.

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