MATERNAL-PREFERENCE PRESUMPTION

maternal-preference presumption.Family law. The belief that custody of a child, regardless of age, should generally be awarded to the mother in a divorce unless she is found to be unfit. • Most jurisdictions no longer adhere to the maternal-preference presumption. — Also termed maternal-preference doctrine. Cf. PRIMARY-CAREGIVER DOCTRINE; TENDER-YEARS DOCTRINE.

[Blacks Law 8th]