| Title 13, Chapter 7 in the Delaware Code contain the | | | | a custody schedule must be made based on what is |
| laws about child custody. If you are going through a | | | | best for the child. Some of the factors that influence |
| custody situation in Delaware, it is very important that | | | | the best interest of the child include: the wishes of the |
| you know the laws that govern the issues. This is | | | | parents and the child; the child's adjustment to home, |
| especially true for your custody and visitation schedule. | | | | school, and community; the relationship of the child with |
| Since this is such an vital part of the custody | | | | each parent and other significant family members; the |
| agreement, you want to make sure you create a | | | | mental and physical health of everyone involved; the |
| schedule that works for your child and that will also be | | | | past and present compliance by both parents of their |
| accepted by the court. Here are some of the laws to | | | | parental rights and responsibilities; any evidence of |
| consider when you make your visitation schedule. | | | | domestic abuse; and if a parent has a criminal record. |
| 1. Frequent and continuing contact. Chapter 728 in the | | | | All of these should be considered when making the |
| Delaware Code says that parents should make a | | | | visitation schedule. |
| visitation schedule that allows both parents to have | | | | 3. Equal rights of the mother and father. Chapter 722 |
| frequent and continuing contact with the children. This | | | | also says that neither parent is given a preference for |
| is considered in the child's best interest because it | | | | custody based on the parent's gender. The mother |
| allows the children to continue to have relationships | | | | and father both have an equal right to custody. The |
| with the father and mother. Along with visits, the child | | | | parents can also choose to have a joint custody |
| can have contact with the parents through telephone, | | | | arrangement where each parent spends significant |
| mail, etc. If one of the parents denies visitation to the | | | | time with the child in the custody schedule. When |
| other parent, the court can hold that parent in | | | | determining a schedule, the court will not consider |
| contempt. The parent may be fined or have to give | | | | conduct of the parent that doesn't directly affect the |
| extra visitation to the other parent. | | | | child. |
| 2. The best interest of the child. Chapter 722 says that | | | | |