According to Delaware laws, you and the other parent should consider the following factors when making decisions regarding the development of your parenting plan:
1. The desires of the child's parent or parents as to his or her custody and residential arrangements.
2. The desires of the child as to his or her custodian(s) and residential arrangements.
3. The interaction and interrelationship of the child with his or her parents, grandparents, siblings, persons cohabiting in the relationship of husband and wife with a parent of the child, any other residents of the household or persons who may significantly affect the child's best interests.
4. The child's adjustment to his or her home, school and community.
5. The mental and physical health of all individuals involved.
6. Past and present compliance by both parents with their rights and responsibilities to their child.
7. Evidence of domestic abuse.
8. The criminal history of any party or any other resident of the household including whether the criminal history contains pleas of guilty or no contest or a conviction of a criminal offense.
The Delaware courts realize you and the other parent know your own situation better than anyone else, which is why this is your opportunity to create a parenting plan that will maintain a family structure that is in the best interests of your child(ren).