The custody and care of children is often the central issue in divorce proceedings. Judges or courts make the decision about custody based on one standard- the best interests of the child. The court will listen to the attorneys and their witnesses, the custody evaluator and each parent. At a hearing or trial, the court will hear testimony and consider other admissible evidence. Based on the evidence presented the court will decide what situation best suits the child’s needs, and that decision will be binding. It is quite difficult to overturn that decision.
Because it is such an important issue in people’s lives divorce proceedings can be very emotional. When child custody and visitation are involved the emotions are even more intensified. When a divorcing couple cannot resolve custody between them the court will decide. The court will order custody, however the only relevant issue in determining child custody and visitation is the best interest of the child. If you know that your child’s other parent would not provide a safe, healthy, stable, and happy living environment for your child, then you must prove that to the court in order to persuade the court to grant custody of your child to you. If you are an attorney and you and your client need help providing admissible evidence to prove these facts to a judge you should seek the assistance of a licensed experienced private investigator. A private investigator can gather and present that evidence for you so that it will be admissible and persuasive to the court.
There are many factors that enter into the court’s decision regarding the child’s best interests. Some of those factors are:
• Stability, health, lifestyle and schedules
• Criminal Records and/or activity
• Evidence of child abuse or neglect
• Unfounded accusations of abuse or neglect by one parent about the other
• History or complaints of violence against a parent
• Evidence of Alcohol or drug abuse
• Parenting skills
• Means to provide food, shelter, and education for the child
• Home environment
• Morality of the parents
• Emotional and physical health
• Parents willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent
• Abduction or abandonment of the child or other defiance of legal process
• Care and affection shown to the child
• Financial standing
• Parents past and current conduct
• Acceptability of parents associates
A private investigator’s findings often carry more weight in a court of law than accusations made by a parent. So if you suspect that something is worth investigating, be sure to hire a qualified professional investigator.
If you are an attorney representing someone in a custody case, or if you are a parent seeking custody of your child, retain the services of a private investigator and have them conduct a discreet, confidential investigation that will provide objective evidence that will show that you or your client is the parent in whom custody and care will be in the best interests of the child.
