Going through a divorce can bring many priorities to the forefront for Arkansas residents. In particular, parents may be desperate to ensure that they still have an active role in their children’s lives despite no longer being married to the other parent. In some cases, child custody cases can go amicably if both parents agree to terms, but if one parent has to fight for joint custody or sole custody, that parent’s living arrangements could play a part in the court’s decision.
Some individuals may not think that such details should matter if a person is a biological parent, but the court has a duty to keep the best interests of the children in mind in custody cases. As a result, the court takes various details into consideration. If a parent has had to move out of the family home as part of the divorce and is hoping to maintain custody, knowing what the court may look at is wise.
Some details to assess when it comes to living arrangements include the following:
- The number of children involved and whether they would have enough space to sleep and live comfortably
- The amount of privacy each child would have or need depending on age
- Whether the parent could afford living arrangements to properly accommodate the children
- The location of the home, particularly if it is in a dangerous neighborhood or if the children could get a good education in the area
- What the children are used to as far as living arrangements and whether a similar standard could be met in the new home
Other factors regarding a parent’s living arrangements could also play a role, such as whether they are permanent or temporary. As a result, it is important to consider the little things when trying to show the court that a parent has the means and ability to properly care for his or her children. Arkansas parents certainly do not want any minor slip-up to jeopardize their child custody case, so having the right information is crucial.