Does Race play a factor in child custody nowadays?

Asked 6 months ago - Laurel, MD

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Black father seeking custody from White mother. Father adjudicated natural father, visitation and current w/ court obligations. Father has facts of mothers' legal troubles and frequent unemployment.
Mother told father that he will never get custody b/c she is a white woman.

Attorney answers (2)

  1. Pro

    Contributor Level 11

    Answered November 29, 2012 09:55. Short answer, no "race" is not a factor the Court considers when making a custody decision. But the mother's "legal troubles" and "frequent unemployment" may or may not help you. The court makes a custody decision based upon the "best interests of the child" and considers a number of factors to decide that issue. You should consult an experienced attorney to assist you with your case.

    This answer is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered as legal advice and does not create an... more
  2. Pro

    Contributor Level 13

    Answered November 30, 2012 01:03. No, race is not a factor in making custody decisions. No one should ever say that one is going to obtain custody merely because one parent is white and another parent is black. Our country has not gone through the civil rights era for nothing; changes have been made in the law. So in child custody decisions the court pays close attention to what is in the best interest of the child.

    This answer is GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY and does NOT constitute Legal Advice and does NOT establish an Attorney/... more

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