Tender years doctrine
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The tender years doctrine is a legal principle in family law since the late 19th century. In common law, it presumes that during a child's "tender" years (generally regarded as the age of four and under), the mother should have custody of the child as it is natural for a young child to be with their mother. The doctrine often arises in divorce proceedings.
Many countries have officially abolished the doctrine but continue to follow it in practice.