What are the “best interest of the child” factors?

The courts examine a number of factors when determining a child’s best interests, including:

• The health, safety, and welfare of the child
• History of abuse (against a child, a parent, cohabitant, or significant other)
• The nature and amount of contact with both parents. A common consideration is the capacity of each parent to encourage frequent contact between the child and the other parent
• History of alcohol or drug abuse by either parent