What standard is primarily used to determine child custody arrangements?

The standard primarily used to determine child custody arrangements is the "best interest of the child." This principle serves as the foundational guideline in custody cases, ensuring that any decisions made prioritize the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of the child involved. Courts assess various factors to evaluate what arrangement would best serve the child’s needs, including the child’s age, health, relationship with parents, and the stability of each parent’s home environment.

While joint custody principles, parental preferences, and equal parenting time can play roles in custody decisions, they do not override the overarching requirement that all arrangements must concentrate on what is in the best interest of the child. For instance, a joint custody arrangement might be favored, but if it is determined that such an arrangement would not serve the child’s best interest due to conflict between parents or instability, a different custody solution will be chosen. Thus, focusing on the well-being of the child helps ensure that the outcome promotes a healthy upbringing and development.