# 13 Del. C. § 722: § Â 722. Best interests of child

> Delaware · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DE_T13_C7_SII_S722

## Section

- **Citation:** 13 Del. C. § 722
- **Heading:** § Â 722. Best interests of child
- **Jurisdiction:** Delaware
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Delaware Code / Title 13 / Chapter 7 / Subchapter II / Section 722

## Text

(a) The Court shall determine the legal custody and residential arrangements for a child in accordance with the best interests of the child. In determining the best interests of the child, the Court shall consider all relevant factors including:

(1) The wishes of the child’s parent or parents as to such child’s custody and residential arrangements;

(2) The wishes of the child as to such child’s custodian or custodians and residential arrangements;

(3) The interaction and interrelationship of the child with such child’s 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 such child’s 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 under § 701 of this title;

(7) Evidence of domestic violence as provided for in Chapter 7A of this title; and

(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.

(b) The Court shall not presume that a parent, because of such parent’s sex, is better qualified than the other parent to act as a joint or sole legal custodian for a child or as the child’s primary residential parent, nor shall it consider conduct of a proposed sole or joint custodian or primary residential parent that does not affect such parent’s relationship with the child.

## Nearby sections

- [13 Del. C. § 721 § Â
        721. Commencement of proceedings; venue; notice; pleadings; attorney for child; removal from jurisdiction; considerations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DE_T13_C7_SII_S721.md)
- [13 Del. C. § 722 § Â
        722. Best interests of child.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DE_T13_C7_SII_S722.md)
- [13 Del. C. § 723 § Â
        723. Temporary orders.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DE_T13_C7_SII_S723.md)
- [13 Del. C. § 724 § Â
        724. Interviews.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DE_T13_C7_SII_S724.md)
- [13 Del. C. § 725 § Â
        725. Investigations and reports.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DE_T13_C7_SII_S725.md)
- [13 Del. C. § 726 § Â
        726. Hearings.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DE_T13_C7_SII_S726.md)
- [13 Del. C. § 727 § Â
        727. Custody.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DE_T13_C7_SII_S727.md)
- [13 Del. C. § 728 § Â
        728. Residence; visitation; sanctions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DE_T13_C7_SII_S728.md)
- [13 Del. C. § 729 § Â
        729. Modification of prior orders.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DE_T13_C7_SII_S729.md)
- [13 Del. C. § 730 § Â
        730. Petition to modify custody.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DE_T13_C7_SII_S730.md)
- [13 Del. C. § 731 § Â
        731. Attorneys’ fees.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DE_T13_C7_SII_S731.md)
- [13 Del. C. § 732 § Â
        732. Procedural rights.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DE_T13_C7_SII_S732.md)
- [13 Del. C. § 733 § Â
        733. Stepparent custody in certain circumstances.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DE_T13_C7_SII_S733.md)
- [13 Del. C. § 734 § Â
        734. Relocation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DE_T13_C7_SII_S734.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DE_T13_C7_SII_S722. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.