Child Custody Attorney in Michigan

Helping Clients Through the Difficult Ordeals of Child Custody Cases

Among the most contentious and emotionally charged legal matters of any divorce proceedings are the heated negotiations to determine child custody and visitation rights. In every child custody case, a family court and everyone else involved must always have the best interests of the children as their central focus. Several best interest factors will come into play when the family law judge determines a fair child custody order for the former spouses. It is highly recommended that you retain the professional legal counsel of an experienced family law attorney when going through a child custody proceeding.

A child custody lawyer at our family law firm is ready and able to assist you in identifying your personal goals in your case and help you on the path toward achieving those goals. As your child custody attorneys, we will endeavor to help you towards an agreeable child custody arrangement that suits both you, your ex-spouse, and, most importantly, your children.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child custody agreement, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Michigan law offices to schedule your initial consultation today. In your case evaluation, we will go over your legal options and help you determine various subject matters such as paternity, a parenting schedule, legal or physical custody, and more. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

What is the Difference Between Legal and Physical Custody?

There are three main aspects of any child custody agreement: legal custody, physical custody, and parenting time.

Legal custody is the decision-making authority of one or both parents. This authority grants the parent the ability to handle various legal matters as well as make important life decisions for their children. These decisions may include the child’s religious practices, the child’s education, the child’s social activities, the child’s healthcare, and more. In cases involving child abuse, neglect, or substance abuse, it may be necessary for a child custody lawyer to help their client restrict legal decision-making powers from the guilty parent. In general, however, family law courts often grant legal custody to both parents.

Michigan family courts always want to help foster a strong relationship between children and both of their parents. However, it is often difficult for the child to split their time and living arrangements with both parents equally. Physical custody entrusts residential custody to the primary caregiver for the child. Meanwhile, a parenting plan would provide substantial visitation or parenting time to the non-custodial parent.

Every child custody case is unique, but it is recommended that you retain professional legal representation whether you are seeking legal or physical custody of your minor children.

Are You Seeking Sole or Joint Custody?

Both legal and physical custody may be granted as joint, soul, or partial custody.

Michigan courts are reluctant to grant sole custody to a parent unless under certain circumstances. Typically, the child custody arrangement will involve shared custody, where a primary custodial parent lives with the child most of the time, and the non-custodial parent takes the child on days according to their parenting plan.

Whether you are seeking full custody or some form of joint custody, our law office has the legal experience and knowledge of Michigan courts to assist you in your pursuit.

What is Parenting Time?

The amount of time the ex-husband or ex-wife has with their children is often established in a written parenting schedule and family court order. Your parenting plans will vary based on the unique needs of the parents and the children. If the ex-partners cannot agree on a parenting schedule together, the court will determine what the schedule will be.

In order to determine the length and type of parenting time for the custodial and non-custodial parents, a judge will consider several factors. These may include the age of the child, the physical distance between both parents, primary custody arrangements, a history of abuse or domestic violence, and the special needs of the child.

As your child custody lawyers, we can help you draft a reasonable parenting schedule that the ex-spouse may find agreeable and otherwise help you through negotiations for your parenting plan. To learn more about our legal services, please get in touch with our law firm to schedule your case review today.

Can a Parent Receive a Temporary Order of Custody?

During family court proceedings, a Michigan judge may grant a temporary order of custody to one or both parents. This is not to be considered a final judgment in your child custody case. However, it may become a final judgment if the family law judge determines that it is in the best interests of the child to maintain the same custodial environment.

Because of this, temporary orders can be important facets in child custody cases, as they may apply a higher standard for the non-custodial parent seeking to modify the child custody arrangement. If the temporary child custody orders do not suit you, you mustn’t let them become permanent. Contact our law firm for legal assistance.

What Happens if There is a Child Custody Dispute?

If the two parents cannot agree on a child custody arrangement, the courts will make the decision for them. A judge will decide what they believe is in the best interests of the child when making this determination.

Factors that may be considered when rendering a decision include:

• Capacity and ability to provide the child with love and guidance as well as help the children with their educational or religious needs.
• Disposition and capacity of either parent to provide the child with adequate medical care, food, clothing, housing, and other essential needs.
• Emotional bonds that exist between the parents and the child.
• History of domestic violence or dependence on substance abuse.
• Mental and physical fitness of both parents.
• School and community records of the child.
• The child’s preferences, provided they are mature enough to express a preference.
• The moral fitness of the parents.
• The permanence of the proposed custodial homes.
• The willingness of either parent to foster and encourage a close relationship between the child and the other parent or grandparents.
• And any other factor that may be relevant to the child custody dispute.

Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation with Experienced Child Custody Lawyers Today

Child custody cases are among the most complex and emotionally exhausting legal matters argued in any court of law across the nation. You do not need to enter into these legal issues on your own. Please consider hiring professional legal representatives to look after your rights and responsibilities as a parent.

Whether you are looking to secure custody or modify an existing child custody order, our family law attorneys can be of great legal assistance. Our family law firm has over nine decades of combined legal experience helping clients achieve their goals in family law practice areas. To learn more about our legal services, please contact our Okemos-based law offices to schedule your initial consultation today. We look forward to speaking with you. You can get in contact us at 517-236-7187.