One of the first things you probably want to know is, "how will the Court decide my custody case?" The standard for deciding the outcome in a child custody case is what is in the children's "best interests". This means that the Judge will consider all the relevant factors of your case to make a child custody determination, which may include any of the following: 

• Domestic Violence between the parents and/or in the presence of the child;
• Any special educational or health needs of the child;
• The living conditions of each parent;
• Maintaining stability for the child;
• The existing relationship between the parents and the child;
• Whether the parent will encourage contact with the other parent;
• The involvement of each parent in the child’s life; 
• The preferences of older children; 
• Mental health concerns; 
• Drug or alcohol abuse; and,
• Any other factor the court should consider.

If you considering petitioning for child custody, child visitation, or modification of a custody order, contact Quattrini Law, PLLC, in Webster, New York. We can also discuss your options if you have a custody order that you need help enforcing.