Clinton Township Child Custody Attorneys

Under Michigan law, any child custody arrangement must ensure that the best interests of the child are protected. In most cases, the court supports a plan that allows both parents to have a meaningful relationship with their children. However, these proceedings can become quite contentious, and the assistance of a Clinton Township child custody attorney can help to ensure that your parental rights are protected.

At the law firm of Iafrate & Salassa, P.C., we have represented mothers and fathers through some of the most difficult child custody disputes and helped them retain the parental rights provided to them under the law. Absent a compelling reason to rule otherwise, the court promotes the involvement of a parent who wants to be involved in their children’s lives. As such, we are committed to helping you secure the custody and parenting time you are seeking.

Who We Help

When it comes to child custody cases, our team at Iafrate & Salassa, P.C. helps people in many different situations. We can help you if:

• You need a formal custody order and are not sure where to file, what forms you need, what the court will consider, or how the process begins.
• You are getting divorced and need a plan for where the children will live, when each parent sees them, and who makes major decisions about school, health care, and daily routines.
• You were never married to the other parent and need a court order for paternity, custody, visitation, parenting time, decision-making, or child support.
• You want both parents involved and need help building a practical schedule for weekdays, weekends, holidays, school breaks, transportation, and your child’s age or routine.
• The current custody order is not being followed, or the schedule no longer works because of a move, a school change, a new work schedule, a safety concern, or repeated conflict.

If your situation does not fit neatly into one of these categories, we can still help. Every family is different, and we tailor our guidance to yours.

How the Child Custody Process Works in Michigan

Custody cases follow a general path, though the details vary from family to family. Here is what you can typically expect:

1. Filing the case. The process starts when a parent files a request with the court. This may be part of a divorce, a paternity action, or a standalone custody petition.
2. Temporary orders when needed. If your children need a stable arrangement right away, the court can issue temporary orders for custody, parenting time, and support while the case moves forward.
3. Exchanging information. Both parents share information about their circumstances, such as living arrangements, work schedules, and each parent’s involvement in the child’s life.
4. Friend of the Court involvement. In many Michigan cases, the Friend of the Court may investigate, meet with the parents, and make recommendations to the judge on custody, parenting time, and support.
5. Negotiation or mediation. Many custody matters resolve without a trial. Through negotiation or mediation, parents often reach an agreement that works for both the parents and the children.
6. Best-interests analysis. When parents cannot agree, the court weighs a set of best-interest factors under Michigan law. These include the child’s relationships, stability, safety, and each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs.
7. Building a parenting plan. A parenting plan spells out physical custody, legal custody, and a parenting time schedule. A clear plan reduces confusion and future conflict.
8. Hearings if parents cannot agree. If these issues remain unresolved, the court holds a hearing where each parent presents evidence, and the judge makes a decision.
9. Entry of a final custody order. Once the terms are settled, the court enters a final order that both parents must follow.

Custody orders are not always permanent. As children grow and circumstances change, you may later need to modify an order or ask the court to enforce it. Our Clinton Township child custody attorneys help parents with both.

Why Choose Iafrate & Salassa, P.C.

Choosing the right attorney can shape how your case feels and how it ends. With nearly 50 years of combined experience in these cases, we have the skill and the commitment to resolve your child custody issue in a manner that is most beneficial for you and your children. Here is what sets our firm apart:

• Personalized guidance. We take time to understand your goals, your children’s needs, and the realities of your daily life before we recommend a strategy.
• Strong communication. Our clients regularly tell us how much they value clear, responsive communication. You will understand what is happening and why at every stage.
• Careful preparation. We prepare each case thoroughly, gathering the facts and documentation that support your position.
• Practical parenting solutions. We build schedules and plans that actually work in real life, from holiday time to transportation and school breaks.
• Ready to negotiate or litigate. We favor cooperative, less stressful resolutions when possible. When your family’s interests call for it, we are fully prepared to advocate for you in court.
• Committed to your relationship with your children. Above all, we work to protect the bond between you and your children and to keep their well-being at the center of every decision.

Our process is built to lower stress and keep you informed. We start with a conversation about your situation, map out your options, and then move forward with a plan designed around what is best for your family.

Speak with One of Our Clinton Township Attorneys Today

You do not have to face custody questions alone. With legal guidance, you can move forward knowing your child’s well-being comes first. Our Clinton Township child custody attorneys are ready to listen, explain your options, and stand beside you at each step. Contact Iafrate & Salassa, P.C. today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you protect what matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions