Macomb County Child Custody Lawyers

When the Courts will Decide on Child Custody

Child custody may seem like an issue that is entirely out of your hands when going through a divorce, but it is not. Michigan law allows parents in Macomb County to come to an agreement on their own regarding custody and visitation time. If you and your spouse can come to an agreement on your own, and the agreement is fair to both parents involved, a judge will approve the agreement, and it then becomes legally binding.

When the parents getting a divorce cannot agree on child custody matters, a judge will make the final decision. A judge will only consider the best interest of the child when determining child custody. This decision is also legally binding and if you wish to change a child custody order, you must seek a modification from the court before making any changes.

What are the Best Interests of the Child?

In Macomb County, and throughout the rest of Michigan, a judge will take 12 factors into consideration when determining what is in the best interests of the child. They include:

• The relationship between the child and each parent,
• The capacity of each parent to provide the child with affection, love, guidance, continuation of education, and the religion they have been raised in,
• The ability of each parent to provide the child with their basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter,
• The length of time the child has lived in a stable environment and a preference for maintaining that stable environment,
• The permanence of the marital or custodial home,
• The moral character of each parent,
• The health, both physical and mental, of each parent,
• The school, home, and community relationships of the child,
• The child’s preference, if they are of a certain age and maturity,
• The willingness of each parent to maintain a healthy and loving relationship between the child and the other parent,
• Any history of domestic violence, and
• Any other factor a judge deems relevant in child custody hearings

Macomb child custody lawyers are extremely familiar with the best interests of the child standard and will explain how they apply to your case.

Call Our Michigan Child Custody Lawyers Today

Child custody issues are typically the most emotional and difficult of any divorce that involves children. If you are getting a divorce and are worried about this contentious issue, our Macomb child custody lawyers at Iafrate & Salassa can advise on your case. We will explain the different types of custody in Michigan, answer all of your questions, and give you the best possible chance of a successful outcome. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled attorneys.