The Best Interest of the Child in Minnesota

Written By Tiffany Dust

Minnesota uses the Best Interest of the Child factors to decide custody and parenting time. These factors weigh what's best for the child when parents disagree on parenting decisions like education or healthcare. Proving your plan is best for your child can be tough.

Tiffany Dust is experienced in handling custody and visitation issues. Tiffany Dust is a Super Lawyer - Rising Star nominee in 2024. Please contact us to schedule your consultation today: 612-444-6445 or tiffany@dustlawoffice.com.

Below is a short summary of the Best Interest of the Child Factors in Minnesota Under Minnesota Statute Section 518.17. This short summary does not constitute legal advice. For more detailed information, please reach out to schedule a consultation.

1.      Child’s physical, emotional, cultural, spiritual, and other needs,

2.      Special needs regarding: medical, mental health, development, education, etc.,

3.      Reasonable preference of the child,

4.      Domestic abuse,

5.      A parent’s physical, mental, or chemical health that affects safety,

6.      History of participation,

7.      Parent’s ability to provide care while meeting the needs of the child,

8.      Effect of the change in community,

9.      Effect of the parent’s proposal on family relationships,

10.   Balance of parenting time and any detrimental effects the proposal may have,

11.  Co-parenting relationship (except in cases with domestic abuse), and

12.  Parent’s ability to minimize child’s exposure to conflict.

Tiffany Dust
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