Child Custody And Parenting Time Attorney In Grosse Pointe Farms
Child custody and parenting issues can be some of the most difficult to deal with amid divorce. Not only do you have to figure out how you will parent your children separately, but you also have to figure out how you will continue to make decisions around health, education and other related matters. As the sole attorney at Family Focus Law, I can help you reach a custody and parenting arrangement that works for everyone and keeps your kids’ best interests at the forefront. That way, you can focus on providing them with the love, care and attention they deserve.
Learn more about how I can help by calling my office at 313-749-9082.
How Michigan Courts Make Decisions In Custody Cases
When determining custody arrangements and parenting time in Michigan, judges typically consider what is in the children’s best interests. In determining what those best interests are, they typically look at factors like each parent’s:
- Bond with their kids
- Ability to provide guidance and a stable home environment
- Capacity to help kids with school work
- Ability to financially support the kids
- Physical and mental capacity to raise their children
- Willingness to support a healthy relationship with the other parent
Outcomes in child custody cases can often depend on the facts presented in Michigan family court and what solutions work for families. I can help you present your situation thoughtfully and focus on providing the court with all the necessary information.
Depending on your county, you may also interact with the friend of the court custody process, which can involve recommendations, reports or facilitation. I can help you understand what to expect so you can be prepared.
Legal Vs. Physical Custody – And Common Parenting Time Schedules
In Michigan, there are two main types of child custody: legal custody and physical custody. Understanding the difference between these types of custody is crucial, as they can help you work out an effective agreement based on your circumstances. Here is a breakdown of each:
- Legal custody: Legal custody refers to each parent’s ability to make decisions about the child’s upbringing. This can include determining where they go to school, what types of medical treatment they receive and what religion they practice. Parents can have either sole or joint legal custody of their children.
- Physical custody: The arrangement by which children live with one parent and how much time they spend with each parent. Parents can have sole or joint physical custody of their children.
I can help you find legal and physical custody solutions tailored to your unique situation.
How Michigan Courts Determine Parenting Schedules
Michigan courts often look to Michigan parenting time law principles and local parenting time guidelines to shape schedules. I can walk you through Michigan parenting time schedule examples – like alternating weekends plus a midweek dinner, 2-2-5-5 rotations or week-on/week-off. Then, I can tailor a plan to your child’s age, school demands, activities and your work schedule. If safety is a concern, I can also present options like supervised time or structured exchanges.
Custody Modifications, Enforcement And Paternity Issues
Life can change. And when it does, you may need to request a modification to your custody agreement. Whether you or the other parent loses a job, gets a raise/promotion, needs to relocate or develops health issues, a judge could approve your modification request. Additionally, if a child experiences a significant event or begins to require additional support, this can also be a reason to request a modification. I can help you understand the legal threshold and how to modify parenting time order requests with the right evidence and documentation.
What If One Parent Isn’t Upholding The Custody Agreement?
If a parent refuses to comply with the terms and conditions of the agreement, the other parent can pursue enforcement options in court. And if you’re an unmarried parent, you can seek to establish paternity custody.
Michigan Child Custody And Parenting Time FAQs
I hear these ones quite a bit from clients:
How do Michigan courts decide child custody and parenting time?
Michigan family courts often make custody decisions based on the best interests of the children. They will look at many factors to determine what those best interests are, such as:
- The kids’ safety
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home environment
- The relationship each parent has with the children
- The physical, mental and financial ability of each parent to provide for the kids
How judges reach conclusions about what’s in a child’s best interests can depend on the individual circumstances of each family.
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody in Michigan?
Legal custody determines each parent’s decision-making authority, while physical custody addresses where the children live.
Can parenting time or custody orders be changed after a divorce or separation?
Yes. If life circumstances change, you may request a modification to your custody agreement. The standards can vary depending on whether you’re seeking a custody change or a schedule adjustment.
Talk With Me Before You Agree To A Long-Term Plan
If you want a steady, child-focused approach from a responsive lawyer who keeps your goals and children’s well-being at the front and center of negotiations, I’m here to provide you with the professional counsel and support you need.
Schedule a consultation with me by completing my contact form or calling my office at 313-749-9082. I look forward to speaking with you.
