Child Custody - evaluation of the child's preference?

Hello. There are few related articles. Read, How is a Child’s Preference and Choice in Custody Determined? There are also questions like: When Can a Child Choose Where to Live? Btw.: there are two kinds of custody in Pennsylvania and other U.S states. The first is "physical" and the second one is "legal". Read more about "Can Children Express Preference in Pennsylvania Custody Proceedings?"

You cant try to ask a child custody (family law) attorney in Pennsylvania - learn more about custody law and procedure.

Stumbling beyond Best Interests of the Child: Reexamining Child Custody Standard-Setting in the Wake of Minnesota's Four Year Experiment with the Primary Caretaker Preference. Its not related to Pennsylvania, but even  and thus may be of interest. A Child’s Best Interests Under the New PA Child Custody Law. Remember, If the child demonstrates appropriate maturity, courts will examine the child’s preferences. The judge will consider other factors too:

• Relationship with the child (children)
• Abuse and real mental health
• Mother vs father - courts favor

Courts make a variety of decisions that affect children, including placement and custody determinations, safety and permanency planning, and proceedings for termination of parental rights. Whenever a court makes such a determination, it must weigh whether its decision will be in the “best interests” of the child.

Learn more about:

• Best Interests Definition
• Guiding Principles of Best Interests Determinations
• Best Interests Factors
• Other Considerations
• PDF Source here