The choice of a parent who will be in the custody of a child predetermines the overall well-being of the minor. Therefore, it is essential to make a reasonably informed decision based on the implications of some decisive factors. In the United States, the principle of the best interest of the child is applied to make custody decisions.
The child’s age and the determinants likely to affect the safety and well-being of the child should be considered. Judges should ask questions concerning such aspects of parents’ lives as their living situation and the availability of a safe and well-organized home for the child’s secure life.
In addition, the financial situation of each of the parents should be considered to identify their respective capability of providing for the child’s food, clothes, education, health, and other aspects of proper life and development. Moreover, the facts or signs of family abuse should be reviewed to eliminate the risk of ruling the custody decision to an abuser.