Factors Affecting the Child Custody Decisions

Children are the most prized possession for both parents in marriage. However, when a marital relationship faces turbulent times, and the partners feel that they can no longer continue living under the same roof, bound by the legal institution of marriage, then it is time to take some individual and a few collective decisions. If both partners wish to avoid a messy divorce settlement, then collective decision-making regarding the future of some important matters is not a problem.

If there is a will to avoid lengthy legal proceedings, there are some matters like Child Custody, child maintenance, spousal support, alimony payment, and guardianship rights that can be resolved amicably between the spouses. The basis of such an agreement should be mutual consent and not intimidation, blackmailing, harassment, exploitation, or undue influence by either of the spouses.

Child Custody is a matter of equal concern and priority for both parents who seek legal termination of their marital status. This matter defines the future pattern of life for the respective parent and their children. Moreover, it holds an equally important status for the children involved since it is a matter of their physical, psychological, financial, and social well-being. In addition to this, the level and intensity of attachment they feel for each of the parents is also a focal point in the custody claims.

Hence, the court of law assesses the financial, emotional, and physical health of both the parents to evaluate their calibre to take up the huge responsibility for the remaining life. The legal system wants to ensure that the children keep receiving the best possible parenting, nurturing, education, and standard of living under the custody of one parent and guardianship of the other after the finalization of a divorce.

However, the roles of a mother and father unfold differently once they assume the responsibilities of a single parent. Consequently, the life pattern of the children, their quality of life, education, societal interactions, interests, and habits get affected by the new turn of events. Therefore, it becomes a double responsibility for both parents to do their best to let their children bear the least brunt of the emotionally unstable period in life.

Their life approaches, parenting styles, patience, time, and effort can heal their and the wounds of their kids in a reasonable amount of time. It also readies them for future challenges in life and their careers. Hence, the parents become the main source of motivation or demotivation for the children in preparing them to face the world and society in particular after bearing the tag of belonging to a broken family.

The child custody laws, rules, regulations, and jurisdictions differ in every country around the world. There is no rule of thumb to follow in terms of the winning strategy to get the custodianship rights. Gender differences, emotional attachment, income, future relationship status, sanity, and professional and personal stability are some factors that influence the decision regarding the grant of child custody to either of the parents.