Which standard governs child custody determinations?

• A. The best interests of the child
• B. The wishes of the parent
• C. The child's age
• D. The religious beliefs of the parents

Answer: (A)

The best interests of the child. Courts use this standard to decide custody, focusing on what will best promote the child’s welfare, safety, and emotional and physical needs. In practice, this means weighing factors like each parent’s ability to provide a stable home, the child’s relationship with each parent, the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community, any history of abuse or neglect, and, if appropriate, the child’s own wishes given their age and maturity. The parents’ wishes aren’t controlling, and while the child’s age can influence questioning or preferences, it isn’t the determining factor. Religious beliefs of the parents aren’t the governing factor in deciding custody.