When the custody and visitation of a child are at issue, judges consider the child’s “best interests” to determine the custodial schedule contained in the final Custody and Visitation Order, but what does that mean exactly?

What is Considered to be in the “Best Interests” of a Child?

Judges want to see children raised successfully; their physical, mental, and emotional needs must be met. Judges also consider the role both parents have played so far in the child’s life.

They will be most likely to award primary custody or more custodial time to parents who are able to demonstrate that they actively meet the following needs of their child:

  • The child is fed nutritious meals and participates in physical exercise.

  • The child is provided with educational opportunities, and if of school age, the child is achieving good grades.

  • The child receives proper preventive medical care and proper medical treatment in the event of illness or injury.

  • The parent offers the child opportunities to build or to maintain relationships with both their maternal family and their paternal family, unless good cause is shown for these relationships to cease.

  • The parents co-parent in a positive way, setting a good example for the child and ensuring that the child’s needs are met.

  • The child has consistency and a routine in their life; Judges will want to maintain as much consistency in a child’s life as possible.

Preparing for Trial

You need to be able to prepare the strongest possible case for your custody and visitation trial. The Chester child custody attorneys at Edens Law Group, LLC offer strategic and aggressive representation that is crucial to the outcome of your custody and visitation case.

Edens Law Group, LLC can assist you with your custody and visitation matter. Call our team today at to discuss your options.