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Legal Information: Indiana

Custody

Updated: 
November 14, 2023

How will a judge make a decision about custody?

A judge will make a decision about custody based on what s/he thinks is in your child’s best interest. The judge will look at any factor that s/he thinks is important to make this decision.

According to Indiana law, when determining what is in the best interest of the child, the judge will look at:

  • the age and sex of the child;
  • the wishes of the child’s parents;
  • the child’s preference for who s/he wants to live with, giving more consideration if the child is at least 14 years old;
  • the relationship the child has with his/her parents, siblings, and any other person that might significantly affect the child’s best interests;
  • the child’s adjustment to his/her home, school, and community;
  • the mental and physical health of all individuals involved;
  • evidence of a pattern of domestic violence by either parent;
  • evidence that the child has been cared for by a “de facto custodian,” which is someone other than a parent who takes on a custodial parent’s role; if the evidence is sufficient, the judge will then consider the additional factors listed in What is a “de facto custodian” and can s/he get custody?; and
  • if a parent, or a person found to be a de facto custodian of the child, created a power of attorney regarding the child, the judge will look at what terms are included in it.1

1 Ind. Code § 31-17-2-8