Tender Age Doctrine Explained: When Does it Apply?

One of the most common questions in child custody disputes is: Who gets custody of a young child? Under Philippine law, this is often answered through the Tender Age Doctrine, a long-standing legal principle designed to protect the best interests of young children.

This article explains what the Tender Age Doctrine is, when it applies, and when courts may depart from it, based on the Family Code and Supreme Court rulings.