Where and how a parent in Minnesota or anywhere else lives could determine if that parents gets custody of a child. For instance, an older child may need his or her own room instead of sharing it with a younger sibling. If a father is asking for custody of his daughter, the parent may need to ensure that she has privacy while in the house. The same is generally true for a mother looking for custody of her son.
Space concerns may be raised by a judge if a parent has multiple children. However, the law does take into account that finding suitable and affordable housing can be a challenge in many locations. Therefore, some leeway can be granted depending on the other factors in the case. When making a custody ruling, the best interest of the child will always be considered.
This tends to mean that the child will be happy and properly cared for by whoever he or she lives with. In some cases, a judge will look at whether a child could be happy in a smaller home after living in a larger one. In addition to being secure at home, a parent should live in a reasonably safe neighborhood. Parents usually won’t get custody of their children if there is a chance that they are put in harm’s way.
Parents who are seeking custody or other rights to their children may need to make sure that their homes are suitable to host their sons or daughters. A family law attorney may be able to help a parent determine what needs to be done to make a home suitable. For instance, a parent could choose to add more space by finishing a basement, or they might have to move to a new place in a safer neighborhood.