When deciding who should get custody of a child, the court looks for a few different things. One of them is financial stability, but this is not the only factor that needs to be evaluated. Having a stable income is great and all, but it does not necessarily prove one parent’s home to be a better fit for the child. Our Union County child custody attorneys can look at what works in your favor and then we can help you make your argument for custody.
Just How Important is Financial Stability?
No court wants to put a child in a home that won’t offer financial stability, but that does not mean that a child will automatically be placed in the home of the parent who has more resources and a higher income. Both parents could easily offer financial stability, even if one makes more money than the other.
What can make a difference is an extreme situation where one parent is certainly in no position to offer stability, financial or otherwise. If a parent is currently homeless or struggling with an addiction, it is going to be difficult for them to even win visitation rights, much less custody.
What Else Can a Court Consider When Granting Child Custody?
The court looks at finances, but it also considers some other factors to make sure that a custody decision is made with the best interests of the child in mind. Considerations could include:
- How much time each parent spent with the child before the divorce
- The fitness of the parents
- Any preference expressed by the child
- The employment responsibilities of the parents
- The continuity of the child’s education
- The child’s relationship with any step-siblings
Can Alimony and Child Support Help a Spouse Offer More Financial Stability?
There is also another reason why you do not have to be the richest parent in order to get custody. Alimony and child support can help a custodial parent with the expenses that they face. As long as their home is otherwise a good fit for their child, then this is a perfectly acceptable arrangement to the court most of the time.
The spouse who has more money may also have a home that’s a good fit for their child, but maybe they work long hours. Or maybe their home is out of the child’s school district. The poorer spouse could argue that living with them is in the child’s best interest because they would not have to change schools and the custodial parent would be around more. So finances and financial stability matter, but other considerations need to be made as well.
Do I Need an Attorney?
Having an attorney by your side can make it easier to argue for child custody. A lawyer can also answer any questions that you have and help you negotiate other parts of your divorce agreement. If your spouse has a lawyer with them, you will certainly want to have one of your own.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you are ready to make your best possible argument for child custody, contact Ross & Calandrillo, LLC. Our attorneys can work with you and help you fight for the best possible outcome.