Of all of the aspects of a divorce, child custody settlements may be the hardest. While even couples with tense relationships can come to compromises on real estate or frequent flyer miles, the care of one’s child is a far more serious matter. If you’re entering divorce proceedings and have children with your spouse, it pays to know what factors the judge will weigh when making a decision. Here are just a few of the most influential points in their choice.

3 Factors That Influence Child Custody Settlements

1. Child’s Wishes

In the wake of a divorce, the courts will always aim to do what’s best for the children. However, they know that it’s not always easy to tell which parent should be left in charge from an outsider’s perspective. That’s why some judges will interview children to determine their preference. If your child is 14 or older, the courts will place even more emphasis on their remarks.

2. Parents’ Health

Of course, just because a child is closer with one parent doesn’t mean that adult is fit to take care of them. That’s why judges will strongly consider the physical and mental health of both parents before awarding child custody. If a parent is living with a physical or mental condition that will hinder their treatment of the child, custody may be given to the other parent. The judge will also look to each parent’s record for signs of substance abuse or violence, which both indicate an unstable household environment.

3. Parents’ Jobs

Even if both parents are of sound body and mind, their manner of making a living may get in the way of their parenting abilities. For example, if one parent has to travel overseas for conferences, will be deployed in the armed forces, or has to work long hours, the court will take these restrictions into account. If an adult’s job is distressing or exhausting and makes them unable to care for their child’s psychological needs, this disadvantage will also be factored in.

If you’re in the midst of a divorce and want to fight for child custody, get in touch with Lonneman & McMahan, PLLC in Elizabethtown, KY. They have over 30 years of experience helping clients with family law cases, including divorce and child custody. They also deal with bankruptcy, estate planning, and personal injury cases. To learn more about their wide range of practice areas, visit their website, or call (270) 765-2190 to schedule a free consultation.