Child Custody

Security and Consistency

Preference for an environment that will ensure consistent living conditions, security, and protection.

The Least Harmful Choice

Where there is no optimal solution, select the option least damaging to the child.

The Child's Relationship with the Non-Custodial Parent and his Family

The parent willing to allow this contact is usually considered the preferable choice, as this willingness is regarded as a manifestation of sensitivity and respect to the needs of the child.

These guidelines concur with distinct legal criteria defining relevant legal aspects such as natural guardianship, requisition of the rights of natural guardians (sending the child to a foster home and adoption), economic and physical responsibility, and definition of children at risk.

The court, as the ‘client’ of the custody assessment, expects recommendations based on accepted and admissible legal tools and data-backed findings. Data gathering must be responsible, professional, and authorized. The recommendations must be adaptable to the changing developmental needs of each individual separately and those of the family as a whole. These recommendations should be long enduring and applicable until the family is able to change the circumstances on its own or with their consent. The recommendations refer to the flexibility and the maturity of each family member and the family as a whole, their ability to change, develop, and be sensitive as well as respect the individual's needs. These widely accepted guidelines serve as a very general framework. Adhering to them enables the experts to work with a certain degree of unity.

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