Because someone is the biological parent of a child, it does not automatically mean that they have unquestionable parental custody rights. This applies within all states and is usually determined on a "best interest" policy. This means that a judge will review all factors and make a ruling on parental custody rights that are in the best interest of the child or children in question. What, exactly, does that mean? Well, if a parent has a documented history of neglecting or abusing the child they will have basically forfeited a great measure of their parental custody rights. They may even, in fact, lose them altogether. Additionally, many people with criminal records of a certain kind will not receive a large amount of parental rights either. Finally, many states will also take such things as a child's wishes, the location of their siblings, and even the stability of the parent or environment into consideration.