|
Child Custody Act of 1970
722.23 Best Interests of the Child, Definition
Sec. 3. "Best interests of the
child" means the sum total of the following factors to be considered,
evaluated, and determined by the court:
(a) The love, affection, and other emotional ties existing
between the parties involved and the child.
(b) The capacity and disposition of the parties involved to
give the child love, affection, and guidance and continuation of the
educating and raising of the child in its religion or creed, if any.
(c) The capacity and disposition of the parties involved to
provide the child with food, clothing, medical care or other remedial care
recognized and permitted under the laws of this state in place of medical
care, and other material needs.
(d) The length of time the child has lived in a stable,
satisfactory environment, and the desirability of maintaining continuity.
(e) The permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or
proposed custodial home or homes.
(f) The moral fitness of the parties involved.
(g) The mental and physical health of the parties involved.
(h) The home, school, and community record of the child.
(i) The reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems
the child to be of sufficient age to express preference.
(j) The willingness and ability of each of the parents to
facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship
between the child and other parent.
(k) Any other factor considered by the court to be relevant to
a particular child custody dispute.
|
