There are many factors that play into child custody arrangements when two parents decide to get divorced. As often as possible, the court focuses on the best interests of the children, and not necessarily the wishes of the parents.
If you’re working to get custody of your children, you may wonder if your health is part of this equation. What does it mean for your children’s best interests and your rights as a parent?
Be honest about your health, as it can play a role
When you go to court, be honest about your health. Remember that the “mental and physical health of the parents” can impact the court’s ruling, and they need to know where you stand in this regard so that they can put the children into the best possible situation. It is equally important for your spouse, who will soon be your ex, to give an accurate account.
For instance, perhaps your ex has physical limitations meaning he or she cannot lift small children. This doesn’t make them a poor parent by any means, but it did mean that you performed all of the physical tasks while you were married.
When that marriage ends, would the children be at risk if they were left alone with your ex? In an emergency, could your ex actually offer the type of assistance they need? It may be better for you to have custody and for your ex to have supervised visitation so that they always have assistance with these tasks.
Weighing all the relevant factors is just part of a custody case
As mentioned, this is just one factor to consider among many. Make sure you know what the court is looking for and what legal options you have when a custody battle is looming.