Child Custody Attorney Clinton Township

Types of Child Custody in Clinton Township

In Clinton Township, there are two main types of child custody the court will award. These are legal custody and physical custody. 

Legal custody allows one or both parents the right to make major decisions on behalf of the child. These include decisions regarding the child’s medical care, education, and the religion in which they are raised. In most cases, the court will award joint legal custody, with each parent having an equal say in these decisions. In some divorce cases, this is not possible, and so a judge will award sole legal custody. 

Physical custody refers to where the child will live the majority of the time. Typically, the child will live with one parent most of the time, while the other parent is granted parenting time. Parenting time is negotiable, and a number of factors are taken into consideration, such as how far away the noncustodial parent lives from the child. 

The Best Interests of the Child in Clinton Township

When making decisions on child custody matters, the court will consider the best interests of the child. Under Michigan law, there are 12 factors the court must consider. These include:

• The bond between the child and each parent
• The ability of each parent to provide the child with guidance, love, and affection, and their ability to continue the education and raising of the child
• The ability of each parent to provide basic needs for the child including food, clothing, medical care, and other needs
• The amount of time a child has lived in a stable environment, and the desirability of continuing that arrangement
• The permanence of the proposed custodial home
• The moral fitness of each parent
• The mental and physical health of each parent and the child
• The involvement of the child in their home, school, and community
• The preference of the child, depending on the child’s age
• The ability and willingness of each parent to facilitate and nurture a close relationship between the child and the other parent
• History of domestic violence
• Any other factor the court deems relevant

A child custody attorney in Clinton Township can advise spouses on the type of evidence they need in child custody proceedings, and how to present that evidence to the court. 

Contact Our Clinton Township Child Custody Attorneys Today

If you are considering divorce and children are involved, our child custody attorneys in Clinton Township know the difficulties you are facing. At Iafrate & Salassa, we will work with you to determine what is in the child’s best interests and help you present evidence to the court to get you the most favorable terms possible. Call us today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation so we can start reviewing your case.