There are several factors that arise during custody disputes that are addressed in the court room and aid in the judicial decision making of child custody. Here are some of the following factors and examples:

Hostile Communication

One or both parents communicates in a hostile manner to the other.

Example: Name calling, attacking their parenthood through falsehoods, dismissive of communicate regarding the child. 

Inconsistent Communication or Visits

The parent disappears via in person, phone and Facetime and reappears at their leisure.

Example: One day they're speaking to the child and then the next week, months, or years they aren't. It turns into an on and off again pattern. 

Refusing to communicate or take care of the child to punish the other parent.

The parent isn't getting along with the other parent so they decide to withdraw. When they're civil, the parent decides to engage with the child again.

Example: No visits, no calls, no gifts, no love.

Third Party Interference

A person that may or may not be directly related to the child initiating or responding to calls and messages or showing up in person interfering with matters regarding and child and affecting one or both parents ability to co-parent.

Example: A new significant other or family member interfering or harassing the other parent. 

Domestic Violence

The parent or parents have a history of domestic violence whether documented through police or not. 

Examples: Domestic occurrences that occur during the relationship/breakup or during custody disputes.

Safety Concerns

Any safety concerns related to the health and wellbeing of the child.

Example: A parent brings up the importance of a child's car seat being properly stowed in the vehicle and the other parent brushes it off. 

Litigation Misuse & Abuse

Using court threats and filings as a means of controlling the other parent and using coercive control for one's own desires.

Example: A non compliant parent threatening to change or take custody of a child however, the same parent doesn't utilize the time already offered by the other parent or under the court order. 

Difference In Parenting Styles

One or both parents have differences regarding how or where the child should be raised. 

Examples: Conflict in permanent residence, conflict in upbringing decisions. 

All of the factors mentioned are valid cause for concern and warrant a modification.