| The Delaware Code contains the state laws about | | | | resident of the household. Parents also need to think |
| child custody in Title 13, Chapter 7. These are important | | | | about these factors and how they influence the |
| laws for a parent involved in a custody situation to | | | | agreement. For example, if a child easily and quickly |
| know, especially as a parent begins the process of | | | | adjusts to new situations the child probably won't have |
| making a custody agreement. The laws that apply to | | | | a problem living with both parents, having frequent |
| the custody agreement are some of the more vital | | | | visitation, or having a schedule that changes. But, if a |
| laws that parents should learn because the custody | | | | child does not handle new situations well, the parents |
| agreement is the final result of the custody proceeding | | | | will need to come up with an agreement that lets the |
| and has the most impact. Here is a brief overview of | | | | child slowly be introduced to new visitation, a new |
| some of the laws that pertain to Delaware parenting | | | | household, etc. By doing this, the parents will be |
| plans. | | | | prepared to defend their parenting plan and to explain |
| Chapter 722 in the Delaware Code clearly explains | | | | why it helps the child. |
| that all custody decisions must be made in the best | | | | Chapter 727 in the Code gives further details about |
| interest of the child. This means that all decisions about | | | | the rights and responsibilities parents have under the |
| custody, particularly those in the custody agreement, | | | | law concerning the parenting plan. The state |
| must fulfill the child's needs and focus on the child's | | | | encourages the parents to set up a plan that gives the |
| welfare. Parents need to think about the best possible | | | | mother and father frequent and continuing contact with |
| situation for the child including the best place for the | | | | the children. It is considered best for the child to have |
| child to live, the best times for visitation, the school the | | | | solid relationships with the child's mother and father. |
| child should attend, etc. When making an agreement, | | | | The primary way to establish contact is through |
| the parents should put aside their own desires and put | | | | visitation. Parents can also use the telephone, mail, and |
| the child's best interest first. | | | | technology to stay in touch with the child. |
| When the court is deciding if an agreement is in the | | | | Parents also have the right to access the child's |
| best interest of the child, it considers the following | | | | records and to know about events that are going on in |
| factors: the wishes of the child and the parents | | | | the child's life. This is so a mother and father can both |
| regarding custody arrangements; the interaction and | | | | be involved with the child and attend extracurricular |
| interrelationship of the child with his or her parents and | | | | events and such. For example, the mother and father |
| other significant persons; the child's adjustment to his or | | | | should both know the child's baseball schedule so that |
| her home, school and community; the mental and | | | | both parents can attend the games. The parenting plan |
| physical health of all individuals involved; past and | | | | and custody agreement should be made so the each |
| present compliance by both parents with their rights | | | | parent can play a significant role in the child's life. The |
| and responsibilities to their child; evidence of domestic | | | | state supports this and will accept an agreement that |
| violence; the criminal history of any party or any other | | | | follows these terms and conditions. |