Child Custody Hearings: How To Advocate for Your Child’s Best Interests
If you are currently involved in a case regarding child custody, child support, or any matter involving the welfare of children, you’ve undoubtedly heard the term “the best interests of the child.” If not, it’s important to know that making a determination that is in the child’s best interests is the family court’s ultimate goal. However, there is no official definition of what the best interest of a child means and generally refers to the measure by which family courts make decisions regarding children. Whether the matter involves custody or other court orders, child services, legal actions, or other businesses of family law, these decisions are presumed to be made according to whatever suits the needs of the child best. The child’s interest comes first, before the parents’ interest or the state’s interest. In other words, the child’s well-being is paramount, above all else. Why the Child’s Best Interests are so Important When ruling on a child custody case, a judge must ultimately decide the custody arrangement for a family – that is, the judge must determine where the child should live, how often they should interact with a non-custodial parent, and how parents will share major decision making rights
