Minnesota courts say they take the “best interest of the child” to determine custody. Although this is great to hear, many people wonder what are the factors that determine that decision. In Minnesota, there are 13 parameters that determine this they are:
1. The wishes of the child’s parent or parents as to custody
2. The reasonable preference of the child if the child is deemed as sufficient age to make that decision
3. The child’s primary caretaker
4. The intimacy of the relationship between each parent and the child
5. The interaction and interrelationship of the child with the parents, siblings or any other person who may significantly affect the child’s best interests
6. The child’s adjustment to home, school and community
7. the length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity;
8. the permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or proposed custodial home;
9. the mental and physical health of all individuals involved;
10. the capacity and disposition of the parties to give the child love, affection, and guidance, and to continue educating and raising the child in the child’s culture and religion or creed, if any
11. the child’s cultural background
12. the effect on the child of the actions of an abuser, if related to domestic abuse, that has occurred between the parents or between a parent and another individual, whether or not the individual alleged to have committed domestic abuse is or ever was a family or household member of the parent; and
13. except in cases in which a finding of domestic abuse has been made, the disposition of each parent to encourage and permit frequent and continuing contact by the other parent with the child.
The legal team at Kallemeyn & Kallemeyn are here to help guide you through this process. There are many different options when it comes to child custody. We have worked on numerous cases and understand the ins and outs of the legal process. Although the court has the childs interest at their priority it is necessary to have an attorney represent you and prepare you, especially if there is any sort of battle between you and your ex, or soon to be ex.
At Kallemeyn & Kallemeyn we are here to help you with your legal battle. If you are looking for a child custody attorney in Coon Rapids, Blaine, Anoka, Ham Lake or Andover, then we are here for you. Choose someone you can trust and contact your Anoka County Attorney today!
