How does a court decide which parent will get custody of a child?
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When the parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, the court will make the decision for them. When determining the child's best interests, the court may consider may factors, including
- The child's age
- The child's gender
- The child's physical and mental health
- The parents' physical and mental health
- The parents' lifestyles
- Any history of abuse
- The emotional bonds between the parent and the child
- The parent's ability to give the child guidance
- The parent's ability to provide the basic necessities, such as food, shelter, clothing and medical care
- The child's routines, including home, school, community and religious
- The willingness of the parent to encourage a healthy, on-going relationship between the child and the other parent
- If the child is above a certain age, the child's preference
- Who has been the child's primary caretaker?
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