ARCHIVE EPISODE: Your Child’s Best Interests: What the Law Actually Says with Professor Stephanie Tang on Divorce & Beyond

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

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MEET OUR CREATOR AND HOST:

SUSAN GUTHRIE®, ESQ., the creator and host of The Divorce and Beyond® Podcast, has been nationall