This brochure explains how courts determine custody rights and parental obligations. It describes the differences between the two types of child custody, "residential parent" and "shared parenting," and outlines the factors a court will consider in deciding what type of custody arrangement is appropriate, including any history of abuse by either parent, the wishes of the parents and child, and the mental and physical health of all persons involved.
More information is available in this brochure published by Legal Aid: Custody: How Does the Court Decide?
This brochure is also available in Spanish at: Custodia: ¿Como decide el Tribunal?