{"id":351639,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/family\/child-custody\/focusing-on-the-best-interests-of-the-child.html"},"modified":"2026-07-07T13:19:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T18:19:00","slug":"focusing-on-the-best-interests-of-the-child","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/focusing-on-the-best-interests-of-the-child.html","title":{"rendered":"Focusing on the “Best Interests of the Child”"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Focusing on the "Best Interests of the Child"<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The "best interests of the child" standard is used in custody cases to determine the best arrangement for a child’s well-being. This standard accounts for the child\u2019s health as well as their emotional and developmental needs.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Parents may resolve a\u00a0child custody\u00a0matter<\/a> out of court through\u00a0negotiation and agreement. If they can’t, a court will have to decide who gets custody of the child. But either way, finding a solution that’s in the child’s “best interests” should be paramount. But what does “the child’s best interests” mean? It may seem straightforward, but the term has a particular meaning in\u00a0family law<\/a> and custody orders.<\/p>\n

This page details the best interests of the child standard used by family courts. For additional information and resources, see FindLaw\u2019s Child Custody Law<\/a> section.<\/p>\n

The Child’s Best Interests in Custody Cases<\/h2>\n

When a family court has to make decisions about custody and\u00a0visitation rights<\/a>, the most important factor is the best interests of the child. This means that the court considers what will be best for the child’s life and well-being rather than what the parents may want.<\/p>\n

Parents and courts should consider factors such as the child’s:<\/p>\n