Divorce is ugly business. Not too many couples come through the process of a dissolution of a marriage unscathed, whether financially, physically or spiritually and emotionally.

And, one of the most devastating parts of any divorce, whether you’ve got the best New Jersey divorce lawyer money can by or the highest-paid Bergen County child custody lawyer, are issues involving child custody arrangements.

In most cases, every parent believes he or she has the best to offer their child. But divorce brings out the darker side of a marriage and usually a judge is the final arbitrator when it comes to deliberating and determining a custody arrangement.

One of the most crucial things a judge will be looking for when he or she is considering a decision in a custody battle is which parent is more likely to put the child’s best interests over the differences that they are having with their spouse so that there is clear demonstration of a desire foster and encourage a relationship with the other spouse.

Joint custody of course is the ideal option in any custody battle, but it isn’t always a realistic outcome to hope for. Many things must be considered when it comes to the needs of a child. Here is a list of some of the things you can expect to be taken under consideration during a child custody determination case. 

Of course, these will vary by state and case, but whether you are using the services of a Hackensack, New Jersey family lawyer, or those of a family attorney who happens live in another county but able to practice in yours, you can use them as a guideline for preparation.

In general, a judge will consider:

• Parents’ ability to agree and communicate with each other on child issues
• Parents’ willingness to accept custody and adjoining responsibilities
  
• The child or children’s relationship to and interaction with parents and other siblings
• Any history of domestic violence
• The preference of the child or children, when of sufficient age
• The home and lifestyle environment of each parent
• The ability of each parent to provide for the child or children
  
• The available quality and continuity of child’s education