Michigan Child Custody Lawyers

Family-Owned Law Firm Protecting Your Loved Ones' Best Interests

When two parents divorce or separate, one of their primary concerns is the future of their child/children. Child custody is often an emotional and contentious issue during divorce, but it is important that you refrain from putting your child in the middle of any court battles.

When awarding child custody, the state’s primary focus is on the “best interests of the child.” This may or may not align with what you believe to be your child’s best interests. At Grewal Law PLLC, we can help you work to protect your parental rights and your access to your child. We assist both fathers, mothers, adoptive and LGBTQ parents, and families from all walks of life.

Contact our child custody attorneys in Michigan for a free consultation. Call (888) 211-5798 or submit an online contact form today. 

How Child Custody & Parenting Time Are Awarded

There are a number of factors that the court takes into account when determining how to award child custody in Michigan.

These factors include the following:

• The financial, emotional, and intellectual ability of both parents to provide for the child
• The age of the child (a mother will likely be awarded custody of a small infant, etc.)
• The preferences of the child (if applicable and appropriate)
• The established relationship between either parent and the child
• The willingness of both parents to continue a relationship with the child
• Whether or not there is a history of violence and/or abuse in regards to either parent
• The location of each parent’s home in regards to the child’s school, church, etc.

This list is not exhaustive. Depending on your unique situation, the court may take other extraneous factors into account when awarding custody.

Furthermore, what the court considers to be your child’s “best interests” may not align with your point of view. No one knows your family better than you do, but the court will likely not consider this when awarding custody. If you wish to avoid having an impartial judge rule on something so important as where your child will live, you may want to consider mediation. Mediation allows two divorcing or separating parents to make decisions regarding the terms of their divorce, including child custody. You must be able to come to mutual agreements with your spouse in order to successfully complete mediation, however, so this is only an ideal option for those people who believe they can do so.

Parenting Time (Visitation) in Michigan

Visitation, known as “parenting time” in Michigan, is similar to but somewhat different than child custody. Parenting time is the amount of time each parent is allowed to spend with their child. It can be awarded even when one parent has primary or sole custody. The court will often work with the parents in order to set up a parenting time schedule.

The amount of time a child will spend with each parent depends on a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to:

• The child’s school schedule, including vacations, holidays, and summer breaks
• The work schedule of each parent
• Where each parent lives in regards to the child’s school/location of other activities
• The needs of the child, including any special medical needs
• Holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions
• The relationship between each parent and the child

It is rare that a parent is not allowed any parenting time whatsoever; however, it may happen if the court believes that the child’s health, safety, or wellbeing may be in jeopardy if he/she spends time with a parent.