If you’re going through a divorce or separation, and you’re looking at a situation in which a custody agreement will need to be created, then it’s important that you have an attorney on your side. Even if you’re trying to get everything done with as little animosity as possible, you must take custody seriously. When you work with Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell, we will keep the children’s best interest first and foremost and will work tirelessly to find the best possible outcome for everyone involved.

Who gets custody? That depends on a number of factors

It used to be that the mother got custody almost automatically. It used to be that it was incredibly unusual for a father to get more than visitation. This is no longer the case and today the courts look at a wide range of factors when they’re considering custody agreements. Here are six of the factors they’re most likely to consider:

1. The fitness of the parents. This includes their physical well-being, their mental health, and their moral fitness.
2. How long the child has lived where they’re living. The courts generally want to avoid making wave’s in the child’s life. As a result, if the child is already in a stable environment that can be continued, the courts are likely to want the child to stay there.
3. The ability of the parents to provide stability. Many parents believe that their income is a huge factor in deciding custody. This is not the case. While the courts do need to know that the custodial parent(s) can provide for the children, they consider stability to be more important than excessive wealth.
4. The child’s preference. In the event that the child is old enough, their preference will be taken into consideration but it won’t be the only thing the courts use to decide.
5. The ability of the parents to meet developmental needs. The courts will want to see that the custodial parent(s) can provide for the child as far as their development is concerned. This is more of an issue with special needs children.
6. Prior domestic violence convictions. If there are situations or convictions of domestic violence, the courts are going to take that into consideration. This is why it’s always important to document everything if you’re the victim of domestic violence, and to consult with an attorney if you’re accused of domestic violence.

You need the right attorney on your side

When you work with Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell, you can count on our offices to immediately start crafting a strong argument for you to have custody. We’ll gather the needed evidence, speak with professionals such as child psychologists, and will work closely with you to find the best possible outcome for your child or children.

Now is the time to find out more about your rights. Contact us at (909) 920-0908 for your free case evaluation. We are here to help you through this difficult time.