When you and your spouse divorce and are unable to come to terms about parenting time, you may need Kentucky’s family court system to come up with a custody arrangement on your behalf. When doing so, family courts reference a specific set of factors that, together, help determine what living situation would be in your child’s best interests.
Per the Kentucky General Assembly, some of the variables Kentucky’s family court system considers when making child custody determinations are as follows.
The wishes of the parents and child
When both parents have proven themselves suitable caregivers, family courts may try to appease everyone involved when making decisions about custody. Your child’s own preferences about who to live with may also carry weight, depending on his or her age and maturity level.
The child’s existing relationships
Also relevant is the strength of any relationships your child currently has with both parents, or with other siblings, stepparents or other contacts living in each parent’s home.
The contributions of each parent so far
How much you and your ex have devoted to raising your son or daughter, to date, may also help determine custody arrangements. For example, if you have done the majority of the child-rearing, this may work in your favor.
How each parent encourages communications with the other
Courts may also consider whether each parent has shown a willingness to allow the child frequent and meaningful communications with the other parent. In situations where there are allegations of domestic abuse, though, this may not be a consideration.
These are some of the important factors Kentucky family courts consider when making child custody arrangements. However, please note that this is not a complete list of all areas that may undergo review.