On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in family law on Friday, May 15, 2020.

St. Louis family court judges prefer for parents to work out how to share custody of their kids among themselves. They take it upon themselves to decide such matters on their own if the parents can’t reach an agreement though. Missouri family law judges are expected to consider what’s in the best interest of the child when making such decisions. The type of living accommodations a parent has can greatly impact what type of custody decree that a judge enters.

The age and gender of a child affect the type of living quarters that a court may find acceptable for them. Your son or daughter will generally be expected to have a private room or bathroom, or at the very least, a place to privately get dressed. A teen is expected to have more privacy than a younger child.

A court will consider the number of children that a parent has before deciding whether to approve their living arrangements. It might be more understandable for children to share a room or bathroom depending on the number of kids that their parent has. The financial circumstances and parent or guardian’s age may also impact what the court finds to be appropriate living accommodations.

Judges generally take into account a child’s unique temperament when determining how apt they are to adjust to varying circumstances. If a judge believes that the change in living accommodations is too drastic, then the court may place restrictions on their visitation or custody. Other factors that could impact a judge’s decision is how safe a parent’s home is, the crime numbers in the neighborhood and who shares or frequents the home.

You must understand all the factors that a judge will consider when awarding visitation or custody. This is especially the case if you’re in the midst of a dispute with your ex. No two Missouri family law cases are alike. Judges evaluate each legal matter on its own merits.

The best interest of the child is always paramount in a child custody case. An attorney can help you illuminate the positive aspects of your case and showcase those in court.