Index
Child Custody Decisions Based on the Child's Best Interest
Summary
California courts prioritize the child's health, safety, and welfare when making child custody and visitation orders, applying the "best interest of the child" standard.
Rights & Rules
- 01.A child's right to have their health, safety, and welfare considered as the paramount concern in any custody decision.
- 02.Parents' right to seek custody arrangements that promote their child's overall well-being and allow for frequent and continuing contact with both parents, unless detrimental to the child.
Penalties
Verified Citations
California Family Code Section 3020
Source"(a) The Legislature finds and declares that it is the public policy of this state to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of children in all proceedings under this part. (b) The Legislature finds and declares that it is the public policy of this state to ensure that children have frequent and continuing contact with both parents after a separation or dissolution of marriage, or at any time the parents are living separate and apart, except where the contact would not be in the best interest of the child, as provided in Section 3046."