Michigan Child Custody Attorneys

Every divorce and family law case is unique, with its own set of facts and circumstances. However, whenever children are involved, there is always a chance that emotions will run high. Our child custody lawyers at Biggs & Gunst P.C. Attorneys At Law in Ann Arbor provide steady guidance and support through what we know can be a difficult time. Our attorneys will advocate for the best interests of your children and fight to preserve your parental rights in your child custody matter.

The Different Types Of Custody Arrangements In Michigan

In Michigan, there are two different types of custody that must be determined in a divorce: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody identifies who has the right to make decisions for the child. Physical custody identifies the child’s living arrangements.

With both legal and physical custody, there can either be sole custody or joint custody. When a parent has sole legal custody, that parent makes all of the decisions on behalf of the child. In a joint physical and legal custody arrangement, both parents share decision-making responsibilities and the child typically spends time with both parents equally.

What Are Michigan’s 12 Best Interest Factors For Determining Child Custody?

In the state of Michigan, the court will decide custody based on what is in the best interests of the child. There are 12 factors that the court uses to help decide what is in the child’s best interests:

• The love and emotional ties the child has with each parent
• The capacity of each parent to provide love, affection and guidance to the child
• The capacity of each parent to provide the child with basic material needs, like food, clothing and medical care
• The ability of each parent to provide a stable environment
• Who is in the child’s family unit in the proposed custodial home
• The moral fitness of each parent
• The physical and mental health of both parents
• The child’s school and community record
• The child’s reasonable preferences
• The ability of each parent to facilitate a relationship with the other parent
• Issues and evidence of domestic violence

The court is also able to consider any other factor that the judge believes to be relevant to the child’s best interests.

When Can You Modify Child Custody Arrangements?

Child custody in the state of Michigan can only be modified if there has been a significant change in a parent’s circumstances. After it has been determined that there has been a significant change in circumstances, the court will consider a change in custody by evaluating whether or not a change of custody is in the best interests of the child.

Our divorce lawyers at Biggs & Gunst P.C. Attorneys At Law have decades of experience navigating all types of child custody matters and can help you determine if your situation might qualify for a modification of child custody in your case.

Schedule A Free Consultation With A Child Custody Attorney

Our family law attorneys are available for an initial consultation. Because every case is different, our lawyers will be able to tell you more about how they can help you with your case after they hear your story. To schedule your free appointment, call our office at 734-720-4445 or send us an email using our online form.