Judges prioritize the child’s best interests through multiple key factors when determining custody arrangements.

In Canadian family courts, judges carefully evaluate several critical factors to make informed custody decisions. The best interests of the child remain the paramount consideration throughout the process.

Primary factors include:

• Parental capability – Each parent’s ability to provide care, emotional support, and basic necessities
• Home environment stability – Quality of living conditions and consistency of routine
• Existing relationships – Child’s bonds with each parent, siblings, and extended family
• Child’s needs – Educational, medical, emotional, and developmental requirements
• Safety considerations – History of domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect
• Child’s preferences – Views of mature children, when age-appropriate
• Status quo arrangements – Current living situation and its effectiveness

The court aims to establish a custody arrangement that ensures the child’s safety, promotes healthy development, and maintains meaningful relationships with both parents whenever possible.