Bloomfield Child Custody Attorney

Elements of Child Custody

In Michigan, there are two types of child custody: physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody refers to the act of providing a home for the child and all that comes with the home, such as food, household necessities, and day-to-day living costs. Legal custody refers to the right to make substantial decisions on the child’s behalf, such as decisions about the child’s healthcare and his or her education.

The court can grant parents joint custody in either category or give one parent sole custody in one or both. For example, the court may determine that a child would benefit most from his or her parents having joint physical custody, but one parent having sole legal custody.

Factors Considered when Determining Child Custody

To determine a child custody arrangement, also known as a parenting plan, that serves a child’s best interests, Michigan courts may consider any of the following:

• Each parent’s role in the child’s academic progress. For example, it may look at which parent helps the child with his or her homework and interacts with the child’s teachers more frequently;
• Each parent’s current mental and physical health state;
• The individuals present in each parent’s household. This can include romantic partners, other children, and other adult family members and the child’s relationship with each;
• Previous interactions between the parents and the court. For example, if one parent has a history of refusing to cooperate with court orders, this may be considered when developing a parenting plan;
• If the child is deemed to be mature enough to form a rational opinion and his or her custody, the child’s opinion may be considered; and
• Each parent’s willingness to facilitate a healthy, consistent relationship between the child and the other parent.
  

Other factors, if deemed relevant, may be considered as well.

Working with a Family Lawyer to Reach an Appropriate Child Custody Arrangement

Work with your lawyer to be actively involved in the court’s decisions regarding your child’s custody. You may be asked to undergo a psychological evaluation or meet with a counselor as part of the custody determination process. To aid in the court’s determination, a party known as the Friend of the Court will use data collected about you and your former partner to make a determination using the factors listed above. Your lawyer can guide you through all interactions with these parties.

Work with a Bloomfield Child Custody Lawyer

Divorce is rarely easy. When a child custody determination is part of the divorce process, it can be even more stressful. Make your custody determination easier by working with an experienced child custody lawyer. Contact our team of Bloomfield child custody lawyers at Iafrate & Salassa, P.C. today to start working with a member of our firm.