Child Custody Laws by State

Custody laws differ across states — from how courts define the best interest of the child to whether shared custody is presumed. Select your state to learn how custody decisions are made where you live.

Select Your State

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

50 state guides available. Each covers custody types, best interest factors, modification rules, and parenting plans.

Related Resources

Child Custody Laws Explained

Understand the different types of custody and how courts make decisions.

50/50 Custody Guide

How shared custody works, schedules, and what courts consider.

Fathers' Rights in Custody

What fathers need to know about custody rights and how courts evaluate parents.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.