ABA Family Legal Guide

Family Law

3.4 Separation, Annulment, and Divorce

Custody

If one parent is trying to undermine the child's relationship with the other parent, how does that affect custody?

Most states favor an ongoing, healthy relationship between the child and both parents. If one parent is trying to undermine the child's relationship with the other parent, that is a negative factor. If other factors are close to equal, a court may grant custody to the parent who is more likely to encourage an open and positive relationship with the other parent, unless that other parent has been abusive or otherwise harmed the child.