Child Custody Lawyer By Me

Legal and Physical Custody

There are two types of custody: legal and physical custody. Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions on a child’s behalf, such as those regarding his or her education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Physical custody refers to the responsibility of providing a home for a child and all that it entails, such as daily meals and access to household goods.

Joint and Sole Custody

Both types of custody can be held jointly by both parents or solely by one parent. When parents have joint custody, they share the rights and responsibilities listed above. When one parent has sole custody, he or she has all of the responsibilities that come with that type of custody. For example, a child’s parents may have joint physical custody, but one parent might have sole legal custody.

How is Child Custody Determined in Michigan?

When the court determines a child custody schedule, it does so with the child’s best interest in mind. This is done with the aid of the Friend of the Court assigned to the case. Factors used to determine the arrangement that is in a child’s best interest include:

• The child’s relationship with each parent;
• Each parent’s day-to-day involvement in the child’s life, such as helping with homework, preparing meals, and interacting with the child’s teachers on his or her behalf;
• The family’s established routines, such as attending religious services or interactions with extended family;
• Each parent’s job stability and ability to provide for the child financially;
• Each parent’s physical and mental health;
• The child’s academic, medical, physical, and emotional needs;
• The moral fitness of each parent to raise the child, which involves issues like the parent’s history of criminal activity or infidelity and how it affects the child; and
• Each parent’s history and willingness to cooperate with court orders regarding the child.

Work with an Experienced Clinton Township Child Custody Lawyer

As a parent going through a divorce, it is important that you educate yourself about all aspects of child custody before you begin the divorce process, such as how child custody is determined in Michigan and how you can advocate for your rights as a parent. To learn more, schedule your free legal consultation with our team of experienced family lawyers at Iafrate & Salassa, P.C. today.