How does the court decide who gets custody of a child?

In the state of North Carolina, when determining a custody arrangement, the court will always act in the best interest of the child. This means that the court will assess the custodial arrangement that will provide the child with the most stability and security. The court will consider multiple factors, such as the relationship between the child and each parent and the ability of each parent to provide for the child’s needs. In addition, the court will take into account the age of the child, the willingness of each parent to facilitate a relationship between the child and the other parent, and the reasons for requesting custody. The court will also evaluate the mental and physical health of each parent, their lifestyle, and whether either parent has a history of domestic violence or any criminal history. The court will also look at the potential arrangements for the child, such as who will care for the child during the day, who will have primary legal custody and decision-making responsibilities, and who will receive physical custody of the child. The court may also appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of the child if there is an issue as to which parent should have custody. After a thorough evaluation of the child’s best interests, the court will decide which parent should have custody and may also award joint custody or modify the arrangement as needed.

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How does the court decide who gets custody of a child?

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