How are child custody issues determined in court?

In making a decision as to which party should be awarded custody, the Court will be guided by the “best interests of the child” legal standard. Many legal elements and factual factors impact determinations under the foregoing standard. Custody may be awarded “jointly” or “solely.” In the absence of an agreement, the court will also decide visitation rights.  Click on this link to read the Code section the court must rely upon in determining child custody decisions.