Any in loco parentis actions by grandparents and stepparents, should be put in the larger context of established practice.

In general, courts show a strong bias against separating children are awarded to the mother, particularly during their young years.

In general, courts construe the best interest of the child doctrine to mean the preservation of the child’s relationship with his or her parents to the maximum extent possible.

The term in loco parentis can be applied when any adult intervenes in the ad hoc basis.

See also Maternal Preference.