When you and your child’s other parent need to make important decisions regarding child custody or visitation, you should expect the Kentucky court system to consider what it thinks to be on your child’s best interests. Most states have certain “best interests of the child” standards they use to evaluate a potential custodial parent or other custodian’s preparedness and ability to care for a child.
Just how does Kentucky assess what might be in your son or daughter’s best interests?
“Best interests” evaluation standards
Per the Kentucky General Assembly, when trying to determine what type of arrangement might be in your child’s best interests, Kentucky courts are typically going to consider, if age-appropriate, the child’s own wishes. Courts are also going to examine the relationships that already exist between the child and the person or people seeking custody. They may also consider any relationships that exist between the child and his or her siblings, and where those siblings reside, before making final decisions.
Additional evaluation standards
Other factors, too, may come into play when a Kentucky court assesses a child’s best interests. Where that child goes to school and how close each potential custodian lives to that school may come under consideration. The mental and physical health of each party seeking custody may also factor in. Courts may also consider whether a potential living arrangement would still allow a child to maintain close relationships with both parents before issuing final determinations.
While these are some of the considerations courts may use to determine a child’s best interests, there are many other factors that may, too, impact final decisions.
