Grand Rapids Child Custody Attorney

Call (616) 202-3988 for a Free Consultation

When it comes to any divorce or legal separation, child custody is one of the most contested matters. It can be extremely difficult if you and your spouse are unable to agree on who will have primary custody and who will have legal custody. In the case that you are not married to the other parent of your child, obtaining custody can be problematic without proper representation. If you are currently involved in a divorce or other family law case, it is essential that you act quickly to hire a Grand Rapids child custody attorney.

If you would like to set up a free case consultation, contact The Law Firm of Wayne F. Crowe, Jr., P.C. at (616) 202-3988.

How Is Child Custody Determined?

The best case scenario in any divorce or legal matter involving child custody is if you and the other parent can remain amicable and come up with a proposed child custody and visitation agreement. If you and the other parent of your child are unable to decide who should have custody, the decision is left to the family court. The family court attempts to do what is best for the child and tries to involve both parents whenever possible.

A few factors that they may consider include:

• Which parent the child prefers to live with
• The parent's physical and financial ability to support the child
• The financial situation and income of each parent
• The needs of the child (health, education, etc.)
• If there is any history of domestic abuse or drug use

Understanding the Child Custody Process in Michigan

Typically, custody is separated into legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody refers to which parent has the right to make decisions about their welfare, religion, education, and health. Physical custody involves which parent the child will live with. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be awarded joint custody, primary (sole) custody, or another type of custody situation.

Deciding on Parenting Time in Michigan

When the courts consider parenting time, or in other words, the amount of time that the courts establish to provide time to spend with the child. Not every plan will work the same for each parent, coonsidering parent schedules and what works best for the parents and the children. However, the courts will be able to consider what parenting time schedule will be ideal, based on the child's best interests.

Some of these factors include:

• The child's current relationship with each respective parent
• The parent's ability to give love and guide the child
• The parent's ability to provide food, shelter, and clothing to the child
• The parent's current fincnaicl status
• The time the child has lived in his or her home environment
• The desire to retain a sense of stability for the child
• Whether or not there was a history of domestic violence or abuse in the home
• The child's personal preferences

First and foremost, the child's needs are the most important factor when deciding on parenting time. The ideal situation disrupts the child's life as little as possible. Children will thrive best in an environment that is not only familiar to them, but allows both parents to interact and to maintain a positive influence in the child's life. If you are struggling with this situation and would like to decide on a proper parenting plan, please do not hesitate to contact The Law Firm of Wayne F. Crowe, Jr., P.C. today!

If you need legal assistance with a child custody related matter, call our experienced child custody lawyer at (616) 202-3988. We serve those throughout Michigan.