Best Interests

Best interests or best interests of the child is the doctrine used by most courts to determine a wide range of issues relating to the well-being of children. The most important of these issues concern questions that arise upon the divorce or separation of the children's parents. Here are some examples:

  • With whom will the children live?
  • How much contact (previously termed "access" or, in some jurisdictions, "visitation") will the parents, legal guardian, or other parties be allowed (or required) to have?
  • To whom and by whom will child support be paid and in what amount?

Read more about Best Interests:  History, Assessing The Best Interests of The Child, Criticism of The Best Interests Standard

Famous quotes containing the word interests:

    The industrial world would be a more peaceful place if workers were called in as collaborators in the process of establishing standards and defining shop practices, matters which surely affect their interests and well-being fully as much as they affect those of employers and consumers.
    Mary Barnett Gilson (1877–?)