Child custody and guardianship is the terminology used to describe the legal relationship between a parent and their child, such as the parent's right to make decisions for the child and the duty of the parent to take care of him. for the child. The child custody case can be one of the most controversial topics in family law. The family is one of the most common and oldest human social institutions. This is thought to arise from the child's need for care and the mother's ability to breastfeed. Family law evolved as a means of maintaining order in society. Family law is a broad term that traditionally deals with marriage, divorce, domestic disputes and paternity. Although the 1st Amendment has been interpreted to significantly limit the extent to which the state can interfere with parents in how they raise their children, unless the health and safety of the children are compromised. (Family Law; Mikula and Mabunda) Most child custody disputes begin with divorce. Parents view divorce as a way out, hoping for relief from a loveless or abusive relationship. When these parents make the choice to divorce, they do not think about the other problems that divorce can cause not only to them, but also to their children. These effects have become a major concern in recent years. When people think of divorce, they think of changes to their legal status and last name; Along with this change, problems of property division, alimony and child custody arise. The issue of divorce has greatly raised the topic of child custody in the United States. In the 19th century, mothers were traditionally granted legal custody regardless of the situation. Two doctrines have emerged regarding child custody, "best interests of the child" makes... middle of paper ...... communication between them for a period of time? Added to this are custody issues, which make child custody the most controversial topic in family law litigation. Works Cited “Family Law” from major American court cases. Ed. Mark Mikula and L. Mpho Mabunda.Vol. 3: Equal protection and family law. Detroit: Gale, 1999. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Internet. April 16, 2014 Tong, Dean. “False allegations of child sexual abuse are common. » Child abuse. Ed. Lucinda Almon. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006. Current Controversies. Opposing viewpoints in context. Internet. April 17, 2014“Divorce. » Current issues: Macmillan Social Sciences Library. Detroit: Gale, 2010Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Internet. April 21, 2014“Family law. » Gale Encyclopedia of American Law. Ed. Donna Batten. 3rd ed. Flight. 4.Detroit: Gale 2010. 342-349. Opposing viewpoints in context. Web April 22. 2014