Helping Your Own Custody Case (provided by Paul L. Feinstein, Esq.) With more fathers seeking custody of their children than ever before, it is important to realize what things courts consider in determining children's best interests. Courts often look at who performs basic but important services for the kids. If you are not doing all or most of these things, you should start immediately: Serving meals to children Putting children to bed Reading children stories Dressing the children Disciplining the children (appropriately and in a consistent manner) Taking care of children in the middle of the night Assisting with toilet training Giving children baths Buying children's clothes Taking children shopping Taking children to doctor Taking children to play with other children Taking online divorces online divorces children to lessons and classes Cleaning clothes for children Playing and drawing with children Watching television with children Changing children's diapers Taking off work to take care of sick children Taking children to church Planning and participating in children's birthday parties Child custody in Illinois and in other states is a fairly common sense concept. It is based on the child's best interest. The statute requires the judges to take the following factors into account: 1.The wishes of the child's parent or parents as to his custody. 2.The wishes of the child as to his custodian. (The court may consider the preferences of the child in awarding custody but is not bound by that preference. Such preferences, though, are colorado divorce law online divorces entitled to consideration, especially when supported by valid reasons). 3.The interaction and interrelationship of the child with his parent or parents, his siblings and any other person who may significantly affect the child's best interests. 4.The child's adjustment to his home, school and community. 5.The mental and physical health of all individuals involved. 6.The physical violence or the threat of physical violence by the child's potential custodian, whether directed against the child or directed against another person. 7.The occurrence of ongoing abuse. 8.The willingness and ability to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing relationship between the other parent and the child. These are only the required factors. The court can take into account any south carolina divorce laws online divorces relevant