Child Custody Court - The Process

Sometimes, parents can amicably work out childmediation and neither parent can agree, the case will
custody issues without having to involve the courts.go before the judge and the courts will begin the
Obviously, in a perfect world this would be the wayprocess of deciding the custody of the child/children.
all custody issues were resolved. However, we don'tThe courts will generally look at everything that can
live in a perfect world. For this reason child custodydirectly affect the child/children. This means that job
court is in place. The first step in proceeding with astability, home life, and just about every other
child custody case is for the parent, who would likerelated factor will be examined. The courts main
to sue for custody, to file a motion with the court.focus will be on what situation would benefit the child
Once that has been done, notice will be sent to thethe most. If either parent has had a history of
other parent and they will be given the chance todomestic violence or other related charge, this may
respond, at which point an initial hearing will be set.effect the courts ruling. In addition, detrimental
Often, a child custody court will order that parentsbehaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse on either
go before a mediator to discuss ways in which theyparents part will also be an area of consideration.
might come to an amicable decision regarding theDepending on the age of your child, and the state
children, prior to setting an actual hearing. Essentially,you live in, there is also a possibility the judge will
this allows the parents the opportunity to discuss, inwant to speak with your child regarding which parent
a controlled setting, issues involving the custody ofhe/she would like to live with. Once the judge has all
their children, without having to go through childof the facts, he/she will decide which parent custody
custody court. If no progress is made duringwill be awarded to.