In this must-listen archived episode Susan Guthrie, Esq. is joined by Professor Stephanie Tang to unpack one of the most talked-about, and misunderstood, topics in family court: the “best interests of the child” standard. Listeners often ask what this phrase actually means when it comes to custody decisions, and as Susan and Professor Tang explore, it’s far more nuanced than most realize.  From the wide-ranging factors judges consider to the pivotal role of judicial discretion, Professor Tang explains why this seemingly simple concept is actually one of the most complex aspects of family law. Whether you're a parent navigating custody, a legal professional, or just curious about how the courts operate, this episode offers a thoughtful, eye-opening perspective you won't want to miss. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Where the “best interests of the child” standard originated Family court considerations of factors related to custody hearings What judges look at when it comes to a child’s professed wishes  Stephanie answers, “Can a parent request a change to custodial orders over time if they don’t agree with the best interests of children's determination?”  Does the bearing of what a parent wants come into play? More About Our Special Guest, Stephanie Tang: Stephanie L. Tang is an Assistant Professor of Law at Baylor Law School, teaching Family Law. Before joining Baylor, Professor Tang was a Partner at a family law firm in Chicago, where she specialized in all areas of family law. She obtained multiple certifications as a mediator, fellow with Collaborative Divorce Illinois, and a Certified Financial Litigator with the American Academy for Certified Financial Litigators. Professor Tang received a B.A. in Psychology and Legal Studies with Honors from Northwestern University in 2012. She then graduated from University of Illinois College of Law in 2015, Magna Cum Laude with pro bono notation. Professor Tang is the current Chair of the Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Section Council. Websites: Stephanie’s Best Interests of the Child and the Expanding Family article: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4390144 Read Stephanie’s other scholarly papers: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=2508965 On social media: Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-tang/ Stephanie on Instagram: http://instagram/com/FamilyLawProf Stephanie on Twitter: http://twitter.com/FamilyLawProf Make the Most of Your Listening Experience: If this episode resonates with you, be sure to: Subscribe to Divorce & Beyond so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with friends or loved ones who need hope and healing. Leave a 5-star review to help us reach even more listeners. Follow Us Online: Divorce & Beyond:  https://divorceandbeyondpod.com, IG: @divorceandbeyond MEET OUR CREATOR AND HOST: SUSAN GUTHRIE®, ESQ., the creator and host of The Divorce and Beyond® Podcast, has been nationally recognized as one of the top family law and divorce mediation attorneys in the country for more than 30 years.  Susan is the Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution and is a sought-after keynote speaker, business and practice consultant, coach and trainer. You can find out more about Susan and her services here: https://susaneguthrie.com Divorce & Beyond is a Top 1% Overall and Top 100 Self-Help podcast designed to help you with all you need to know to navigate your divorce journey and most importantly, to thrive in your beautiful beyond!   ***************************************************************************** SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: HELLO FRESH HelloFresh is now a proud sponsor of Divorce & Beyond! If you’ve been thinking about cutting back on grocery bills, avoiding food waste, or just getting dinner on the table without the stress — this is your moment, because right now, HelloFresh is offering one free item in every box — for life! That’