• the ability of the parents to cooperate and make decisions jointly; 

• the ability of the parents to encourage the sharing of love, affection, and contact between the child and the other parent;

• the physical proximity of the parents to each other as this relates to the practical considerations of where the child will reside; 

• the fitness and suitability of the parents; 

• the reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child to be of sufficient intelligence, understanding, and experience to express a preference; 

• whether both parents have actively cared for the child before and since the separation;

• whether the psychological and emotional needs and development of the child will suffer because of lack of contact with both parents;

• whether the safety of the child will be jeopardized by an award of joint custody or unsupervised visitation; and 

• whether one or both parents agree to, or are opposed to, joint custody. 

The Court may grant joint child custody even over the objection of one party.

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