Child custody decisions can be difficult for the courts, especially if the judge has to choose one parent over another as the primary caregiver of the child. Before deciding custody, however, California courts need to know who the parents are. In the case of fathers, an acknowledgement of paternity is usually sufficient. But it is not uncommon for a man to claim he is not the father of a child. The issue sometimes comes up when the mother is seeking child support from the alleged father.
If paternity is disputed, a paternity test has to be performed. Paul George, a professional basketball player for the Indiana Pacers, is seeking a paternity test to determine whether he is the father of a two-month-old child. The mother took a prenatal test to determine paternity and it showed that George was the father. George claims he has doubts about the accuracy of the prenatal test and has requested a second test. If he is found to be the father, however, he says he wants full custody of his child. George argues that he can provide the best home life for his daughter.
Regardless of what the parents want when it comes to child custody, the courts in California will base their determinations on the best interests of the child. Once custody is determined, and the courts address the question of visitation rights for the non-custodial parent.
There are no easy answers when it comes to child custody decisions. In the end, what is most beneficial for the child is what will prevail.