Determining Child Custody in Michigan
When a divorce or separation is amicable, parents may determine their own custody and visitation agreements. In these cases, both parents will agree to a plan, including where the child or children will live, who they will spend holidays with, and which parent will be primarily responsible for decision making. This agreement will then be approved by the judge.
If, however, parents cannot reach an agreement, decisions will be made by the family court. In these cases, the court will favor the best interests of the child and will seek to involve both parents in their lives, except in cases where their child’s emotional or physical wellbeing may be put in danger, such as in the face of drug or alcohol abuse, domestic violence, or other unsafe conditions.
While a family court may not have all the details about your specific situation, they will look at a number of factors, including:
- The child’s preferences, if they are old enough to provide them
- Both parents’ financial situation and their ability to support the child
- The child’s special needs regarding their healthcare, education, and other services
- Both parents’ mental and physical health
Legal vs. Physical Custody
There are two types of custody: Legal, which refers to the parent who makes important decisions regarding a child’s health, welfare, education, and religious upbringing, and physical, or where the child will live. Parents can be awarded joint legal and/or physical custody, primary or sole custody, or a different arrangement, depending on what is in the best interests of the child.
Parenting Time
Parenting time is established by the court to determine the amount of time the noncustodial parent has with their child. Like with custody agreements, parenting time to based on what is in the best interests of the child, in addition to the parents’ schedules.
Courts will look at the following factors when determining parenting time:
- The current relationships between both parents and the child
- The parent’s ability to provide essentials, like shelter and food, to the child
- The parent’s financial status
- The desire to retain love, guidance, and stability for the child
- Any history of abuse, violence, or addiction
- The child’s preferences, if they are old enough to provide them
In any decision, the child’s needs are paramount, and the court will seek to cause as little disruption in their lives as possible. After all, children thrive in familiar environments where both parents are a present and positive influence in their lives. The Wealthy Street Law Firm can help you seek a fair parenting plan that puts your child’s needs first.
Understanding Child Support in Michigan
When going through a divorce or separation, one of the most important considerations for parents is child support. In Michigan, child support is determined based on a variety of factors including the income of both parents, the number of children, and the custody arrangement. Our experienced Grand Rapids child custody attorney at The Wealthy Street Law Firm can help you navigate the complexities of child support laws in Michigan and ensure that your children's financial needs are met.
Key aspects of child support in Michigan include:
- Calculating child support payments
- Modifying child support orders
- Enforcing child support orders
- Understanding the impact of child support on taxes
Our legal team is dedicated to advocating for the best interests of your children and providing you with the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.
Contact our firm by calling (616) 202-3988. We proudly serve families throughout Michigan.
Client Testimonials
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""Awesome job Lee!""Lee Coppage is an excellent attorney , a true professional . He produces great results and solves issues quickly. He did a great job with my child support case , I would recommend him to anyone.- Glen
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"Amaizing team"They fight for whats best for you, family is their most importan mater. Michael King help me with my divorce when I was feeling hopeless about my case. He stud up for my daughter's safety and my rights I would go to them in a heart beat if ever needed help again. I just can't thank them enough Michael, Jackelyn, and hennessey they are all exelent people.- Veronica G. Herrera
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"I wish I could give 100 stars!!!!!"This law firm is incredible! I worked with Eli Rosenbaum and he helped me every step of the way! Mr. Rosenbaum did everything in his power to make sure that I was treated fairly, he even went back to the judge and corrected him on an error that was made that would help my case immensely. I am beyond pleased with service and professionalism of this law firm. I would recommend their services to any and everyone that needs a law firm that fights for their clients to the very end and beyond.- Edward Bowie
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"great attorneys who listen and care"My case was a bit complicated but, I thank God that I was able to find the right law firm to represent me and help me get through such a difficult time. Everything turned out even better than expected. The prices are also great and reasonable.- young mother
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