Child custody determinations are based on a variety of factors with the goal of achieving the best interests of the child always in mind.

Former star Alabama football player and recently retired NFL player, Rolando McClain, is currently involved in two child custody lawsuits. McClain recently filed for divorce from his wife of five months with whom he shares a two-year old child. McClain is seeking shared custody of the child. McClain has also requested that his soon-to-be ex-wife contribute to the child’s daycare and health insurance expenses.

In a separate child custody lawsuit, McClain was sued earlier this year for custody of the one-year old child he shares with another woman. McClain has acknowledged that the child is, indeed, his child and is seeking joint legal and physical custody of the child. He has denied that the child’s mother is the child’s primary caregiver. McClain has been facing recent criminal charges for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest and is currently working on finishing his college degree.

Child custody considerations are based upon the best interests of the child. In determining what is in the best interests of the child, the court will look at a variety of factors to ensure that guiding principle and goal is achieved. Some factors that are considered include the mental and physical health of the parents; the needs of the child for a stable home environment; and evidence of drug or alcohol abuse by either parent, in addition to a variety of other factors.

The court will also look to who is the primary caretaker of the child. This is because the court may show a preference for that parent in a child custody dispute. Factors courts use to determine who is the child’s primary caretaker include which parent primarily handles the grooming of the child, provides the child with meals, makes health care arrangements, teaches the child and fosters the child’s involvement in extracurricular activities. All of these factors will be considered to determine which custody arrangement is in the best interests of the child.

Child custody disputes can sometimes be tense. A family law attorney can guide a parent through what to expect from the process so that the best interests of the child can be focused on by all parties and an arrangement that all parties can be satisfied with can be reached.

Source: Al.com, “Ex-Alabama football star Rolando McClain files for divorce from wife of 5 months,” Jon Solomon, September 20, 2013