The best interest of the child test is a legal standard that is used in Florida to determine what is in the best interests of a child when making decisions about child custody, visitation, and other matters. The test is based on the idea that children have a fundamental right to be raised in a safe and stable environment, and that the court should make decisions that will promote the child’s best interests.

The best interest of the child test is not a rigid checklist, and the court will consider all of the relevant factors in each case. However, there are some factors that are typically considered to be important, including:

• The child’s physical and emotional needs
• The child’s relationship with each parent
• The stability of the child’s home environment
• The parents’ ability to provide for the child’s needs
• The parents’ willingness to cooperate with each other
• The child’s preference, if the child is old enough to express one

The court will weigh all of the relevant factors and make a decision that it believes is in the best interests of the child. It is important to remember that the best interest of the child test is a legal standard, and it is not always possible to predict how the court will rule in a particular case. If you are facing a child custody or visitation dispute, it is important to consult with an attorney to discuss your legal options.

Family Law can be complicated and frustrating, navigating the system can be costly and burdensome. At Tumarkin & Burns, P.A. of Osceola County, Florida we’ve seen it all and helped hundreds of family law clients. If you need help or have questions, we are here to help. Simply click here and schedule an appointment with our team. 

This is for informational purposes only, not to be construed as legal advice.