Divorce is hard. Dealing with divorce in Boston is even harder. Massachusetts law for child custody, which is the authority given to one parent or both parents to determine how children will live following a separation, can be difficult to navigate. However, a divorce attorney Boston can make things much easier for you. However, Massachusetts law does not take into account the parenting abilities of the parents in deciding who will have custody.
Child custody is one of the most difficult issues to determine during a divorce. It used to be that the mother was mainly the one who would get custody of the child, but in recent years this has changed. Now it is almost always best for both parents to have equal custody, so the decision will need to be made jointly by both parties. Some factors that are used when determining child custody include dependency, relocation issues, and domestic violence.
Here are some important factors used for determining child custody in Boston.
- Child’s best interests
Child custody during a divorce in Boston is determined by a child’s best interests. The judge will need to decide if the child has a stronger attachment to one parent or if they would be more comfortable living with the other. Situations of abuse will also be taken into account. If one parent can offer a more stable home, then they have a greater chance at receiving custody of the children.
- Home environment and financial standing
Money and property ownership can play a significant role in deciding who gets custody of a child during a divorce. In Boston, home environment and financial standing can be an important factors used to determine child custody. A recent study of 8,000 families found that money and property ownership impacts the decision on who gets custody of the children. Generally, more money means more likelihood that the custodial parent will win.
- History of caring for the child
One of the most important factors used to determine child custody during a divorce in Boston is the history of caring for the child. Suppose one parent has been primarily responsible for childcare responsibilities, such as taking the child to school and providing food and clothing for the child. In that case, they might be granted custody of their children. On the other hand, if it can be shown that both parents have an equal history of caring for a child, then they will both be granted joint legal custody.
