Best Interest Standard

Four Decades of Experience Guiding Clients Through Legal Matters

Best Interest Standard

Understanding Child Custody Cases in Raleigh

When two people are on the brink of a divorce, there are bound to be a lot of unknowns about how the future will look like once they separate. One of the biggest anxieties partners face as they are preparing to divorce is what will happen to any children whom the parents share. The most optimal scenario would be if each individual could participate in a compromise that serves the best interests of their family. Unfortunately, however, emotions can rise quickly, sometimes parents simply cannot decide on crucial matters such as custody and visitation.

If you are experiencing this painful process now, you need to quickly get the aid of skilled child custody lawyer in Raleigh in determining the best interest standard. Trust Hopper Law Office to defend your case with full rigor and absolute determination.


Contact us now at (919) 694-4595 if you have any questions or concerns regarding your family’s “best interest standard” in North Carolina.


The Child's Best Interests in Custody Cases

Some may wonder why judges would consider focusing on the child’s best interests as opposed to primarily taking the parents’ input into account, claiming that they know what is best for their children. In reality, the court does listen to the information provided by parents, but this is not the only source upon which they make their decision.

After all, parents can get extremely emotional and even combative when they are trying to protect their relationship with their children. Unfortunately, this sometimes results in devastating disputes, known to affect children’s development for years to come. Therefore, having knowledgeable lawyer working for you in court is crucial to protect your child’s best interests above all.

What Are the Factors in Determining the Child’s Best Interest?

Every state tends to have its own distinct laws regarding child custody and visitation. However, some general principles tend to be shared by states throughout the country.

Almost all courts will consider certain components in determining the best interest standard, including:

  • The child’s age, gender, and general well-being
  • The child’s physical, mental, and emotional health
  • The child’s preferences (although this is the only component)
  • Any disabilities or special needs which require therapy or external care
  • The physical and mental needs of each parent
  • Cultural considerations and needs or religious requirements
  • The current stability of each home environment
  • Financial stability of each parent
  • How many other children are involved within the custody arrangement
  • The distance and location of the child’s educational center
  • Any evidence of abuse of controlled substances
  • Any history of violence or sexual abuse

Caring for Your Child

When a divorce occurs, one of the hardest decisions to make is how to care for your children in a particularly challenging emotional and mental period. Of course, each parent wants to maintain a healthy, strong relationship with their children. However, accomplishing this in the fairest manner that simultaneously leads to the least amount of disruption in your child’s life can be very difficult.

That is why you should trust our dedicated child custody attorney in Raleigh to help you, as well as the court system, decide on what is the best interest standard for your family.


Call us today at (919) 694-4595 or contact us online to get the reliable support you need from Hopper Law Office.


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