Child custody is one of the most difficult issues when going through a divorce. Sometimes both Michigan parents want full custody of their children or are unable to come to a compromise on a child custody agreement. This often leads to a judge deciding child custody issues.
When a judge decides on child custody, they often take into account where the child will have the best upbringing based on many different variables. These variables can sometimes sway a judge’s decision on whom to award custody to.
Because child custody issues are extremely sensitive in Michigan, there are a few things parents might want to avoid doing when having a child custody case heard. Here are just a few:
- Don’t move in with your new boyfriend of girlfriend. Many times judges look down on parents that move in with new significant others during a divorce, especially when children haven’t had time to accept that their parents are going through a divorce.
- Make sure you communicate with the other parent. Don’t take the kids on a two week long road trip without telling the other parent. This can get a parent into trouble when the other one doesn’t know where their kids are.
- Allowing your kids to talk on the phone with the other parent is important. Withholding the ability for them to speak with both parents whenever they need them could isolate your children.
While it is important to remember that every Michigan divorce has unique circumstances, these tips might be a good starting point when facing child custody issues.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Ways To Sabotage Child Custody,” April 2, 2012 Joseph E. Cordell