Parents worry themselves into emotional exhaustion over child custody issues. This is particularly true if they cannot agree on a custody arrangement.
If you are facing a custody dispute, it is critical that you understand the factors that courts consider when evaluating the child’s best interests. However, knowing the factors that will not influence your case can relive some stress.
If you are considering divorce in Arizona, contact the Zachary Law Group, PLC. Steven Zachary is a divorce lawyer in Chandler who can evaluate your situation and help you avoid mistakes. He has more than 25 years of legal experience.
Call 480-389-3533 to schedule a free case evaluation. You can also visit the USAttorneys website to learn more about divorce laws in Arizona.
Here is a brief overview of seven factors that will not influence your child custody case:
- Gender
Many people assume that the mother is the default parent in custody cases. However, courts cannot discriminate based on gender, according to the Arizona Legislature.
- Race
Race will have no impact on child custody cases.
- Parents’ Ages
Many divorcing parents worry about the effect that their age will have on the custody ruling. Your age will not influence the ruling unless it could adversely impact the child’s best interests. This is only the case if one parent very old.
- Sexual Orientation
Courts do not consider a parent’s sexual orientation when awarding custody. As long as your sexual preference does not endanger your child, then it should not affect your case.
- Occupation
Your occupation will not affect the custody ruling unless it adversely affects the child’s best interests.
- Income
Although the court may scrutinize your financial history, this is usually to determine stability and monetary responsibility. In most cases, a parent’s income is not a primary factor in determining custody.
- Religion
Your religion will not affect a custody ruling unless it puts your child in danger.
Although these factors will not influence your child custody case, it is important that you know how the court will determine the child’s best interests. This can help you avoid mistakes that threaten your interests. When awarding custody, the courts will consider:
- Each parent’s relationship with the child;
- The implications of a custody decision on the child’s home, community and school;
- The child’s preference;
- The physical and mental health of the child and his or her parents;
- Each parent’s ability to provide meaningful and frequent contact with the child;
- Any history of child abuse or domestic violence;
- Each parent’s conviction history of falsely reporting child neglect or abuse.
If you are facing a child custody dispute in Arizona, contact the Zachary Law Group, PLC. Steven Zachary is a Chandler family attorney who can answer your questions about child custody, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, alimony and other family law matters.
Unlike other divorce attorneys who charge by the hour, we offer flat-rate fees with no hidden charges. Call 480-389-3533 to schedule a free case evaluation.
