Typically, each state has factors in deciding custodial arrangements, considering the following in some form or another:
- age and sex of the child
- emotional ties between the parties involved and the child
- relationship between child and siblings
- capacity of the parties seeking custody to provide a loving, nurturing environment for the child
- capacity and resources to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care and other necessary care
- characteristics of the parties seeking custody: age, physical and mental health, stability and character
- effect of the continuation or proposed disruption of the existing home of the child
- preferences of the child, if the court deems the child physically and mentally mature enough to make such decisions
- ability of the parties involved to come to an acceptable arrangement regarding visitation of the child with the other parent
- abuse or domestic violence witnessed by the child by either parent toward s the child, toward another sibling/close relation or against one another
- other relevant factors particular to a child-custody dispute