Custody decisions turn on the “best interests of the child,” a standard that gives judges wide discretion. In practice, they look at stability, each parent’s involvement, the child’s needs, and the ability of the parents to cooperate.

Custody has two parts: legal custody (who makes big decisions about school, health, and religion) and physical custody (where the child lives). Both are often shared, even when time is not split exactly evenly.

Courts generally favor keeping both parents involved unless there is a safety concern. A parent who supports the child’s relationship with the other parent usually fares better than one who undermines it.

This is general legal information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state. For your specific situation, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.