Child custody hearings can be difficult and emotional for Michigan families going through divorce. There are many rules and laws that govern just how child custody decisions are made, and they can be confusing to parents who have never had to work with them before. In all family law and divorce cases, individuals can benefit from discussing their unique child custody questions with their dedicated family law attorneys. Different families may benefit from different child custody plans. Many factors can be evaluated to find the best plan for each child.
Child custody factors
In Michigan and other jurisdictions, courts will try to meet the best interests of the children when deciding child custody matters. Discovering a child’s best interests can require a court to look at many elements of their life, including:
- The ability of the parents to provide the child with love and their basic needs
- The reasonable preferences of the child, if old enough
- The educational situation of the child
- The willingness of the parents to work together to meet the child’s needs
Because the answers to these evaluations can vary between families, the child custody plans necessary to meet individual children’s needs will vary as well.
Types of custody in Michigan
Families can be granted joint custody plans where each parent is entitled to physical and legal custody of their child. Equal custody time may be ordered, or a different balance of custody time may be required. A parent may be granted sole custody of their child if such a decision is warranted, and the non-custodial parent may receive parenting time, also referred to as visitation, with the child if it is appropriate.
There is no one answer to the question of how child custody matters will be decided. Outcomes depend on case-specific factors, and individuals can discuss their own cases with their chosen legal representatives.