Dedicated Child Custody Attorneys By Your Side
Child custody is one of the biggest issues parents face when splitting up. What happens could profoundly impact your child’s well-being. Get trusted guidance on the critical decisions ahead. Daudi & Kroll, P.C., is here for you.
With offices in Okemos and Canton, we help parents throughout Michigan when it comes to child custody matters and other family law issues. Our approach is rooted in dependable representation, committed service and solution-oriented advocacy. Our child custody attorneys are ready to help you protect your child’s interests and future.
The Basics of Child Custody
There are a wide range of custody issues to address when parents get divorced or separated. These matters fall into two broad categories:
- Physical custody: This covers a child’s living situation and parenting time.
- Legal custody: This covers who makes key decisions regarding the child.
Both these types of custody can either be held solely by one parent or shared jointly between both parents.
Crafting a Strong Custody Agreement
Parents are allowed to reach a custody arrangement by mutual agreement as long as it is in a child’s best interests. When it comes to such agreements, it is essential to address all key custody and visitation issues in clear terms.
Such clarity when it comes to the rights, responsibilities and expectations of both parties can lead to smoother co-parenting and a reduction in the chances of future conflict. Our lawyers are here to help you with all aspects of crafting a well-built custody agreement.
When parents can’t reach an agreement, a court will generally decide on custody. Michigan courts consider a wide range of factors when determining what would be in the child’s best interests. Our team understands these factors and is here to help you build strong arguments in custody disputes. We can advocate for you and pursue a resolution that is a good fit for you and your family.
Modifying Child Custody And Support Orders
A custody arrangement that worked well when a child was younger may no longer fit your family’s needs years later. Significant changes in a child’s education, medical or personal circumstances can make it necessary to revisit existing court orders.
Whether circumstances have changed for one parent or the child’s needs have evolved, we can help you work towards an adjustment that reflects your family’s current reality. Our goal is to help parents pursue arrangements that continue to serve the child’s best interests while remaining practical and equitable for everyone involved.
How Child Custody Is Determined In Michigan
Michigan law recognizes several different forms of custody. Understanding these distinctions is important when creating a parenting plan or resolving a custody dispute.
Legal And Physical Custody
Legal custody refers to a parent’s authority to make major decisions regarding a child’s upbringing, such as education, health care and religion. Physical custody concerns where the child primarily lives and how parenting time is shared between the parents.
Sole And Joint Custody
Both legal and physical custody can be awarded on either a sole or joint basis. Sole custody means one parent has primary authority or responsibility. Joint custody means both parents share decision-making responsibilities, parenting time, or both, depending on the circumstances of the case.
When parents cannot agree on custody, the court determines what arrangement serves the child’s best interests. Judges evaluate a variety of factors under the Michigan Child Custody Act, including:
- The emotional ties between each parent and the child
- Each parent’s ability to provide guidance, care and support
- The stability of each parent’s home environment
- The child’s school, family and community connections
- The mental and physical health of the parties involved
- Each parent’s willingness to encourage the child’s relationship with the other parent
Michigan courts also consider whether an established custodial environment exists. This refers to a situation where a child naturally looks to a parent for guidance, discipline, daily care and emotional support. Courts generally avoid disrupting an established custodial environment unless there is clear evidence that a change would benefit the child.
Parenting time is addressed through a Parenting Time Order. This order outlines when each parent will spend time with the child, including weekdays, weekends, holidays and vacations. Parenting time schedules play a key role in supporting the child’s relationship with both parents, while promoting consistency and stability.
Reach Out Today for Trusted Guidance
You don’t have to navigate the intricacies of child custody alone. We can help you pursue solutions that open up a bright new future for your child and family.
Reach out to our experienced child custody team today via email. You can also contact us over the phone at 517-306-4538 or 734-249-6310.