Child Custody Attorney By Me

Legal and Physical Custody

There are two aspects to a child custody arrangement: legal and physical custody.

Legal custody is the responsibility of a parent to make determinations about a child’s care on the child’s behalf. This includes the right to make decisions about the child’s medical care and his or her education.

Physical custody is the responsibility of providing a home for a child. This includes the costs of utilities, the cost of a house large enough to comfortably provide the child with shelter, and access to household goods.

Joint and Sole Custody

Both types of custody can be held jointly or solely. When parents have joint legal or physical custody, they share the responsibilities of that type of custody. When one parent has sole custody, he or she makes all associated decisions regarding it alone. It is possible for a child to have a custody arrangement that involves both, such as joint legal custody with one parent having sole physical custody.

How is Child Custody Determined in Michigan?

Child custody is often determined using a recommendation by a Friend of the Court, a professional whose role is to examine a child’s lifestyle, relationships with his or her parents, and personal needs to ascertain a custody arrangement that is in his or her best interest. Aspects of a child’s life that the Friend of the Court may consider to make this recommendation include:

• The child’s relationship with each parent;
• The child’s personal needs, such as the need for specialized medical care and his or her academic needs;
• The child’s established routine;
• Any history of domestic violence or criminal activity with either parent;
• Both parents’ moral fitness to raise the child, which can include issues related to infidelity or past drug use and their impact on the child;
• Each parents history of cooperating with the court;
• Each parent’s income and ability to provide for the child financially;
• Each parent’s physical and mental health; and
• Each parent’s involvement with the day-to-day tasks of raising the child, such as preparing meals, helping with homework, discipline, and handling interactions with the child’s school.

Work with an Experienced Clinton Township Child Custody Attorney

To learn more about child custody and determine what you can expect according to your circumstances, speak with an experienced family attorney. Contact our team of family attorneys at Iafrate & Salassa, P.C. today to set up your initial consultation in our office. We are here to provide compassionate, goal-oriented legal guidance and counsel to divorcing parents like you.