Michigan Child Custody Lawyer - Kraayeveld Family Law

Are you dealing with child custody challenges in Michigan? If you and your former spouse have children in common, reaching a favorable child custody agreement is among the most critical issues you will face. In order to preserve your child’s quality of life as you embark on a new path for your own life, the right custody arrangement is essential.

A lawyer from Kraayeveld Family Law can guide you through the legal process and help you explore your options. Whether you are seeking to establish custody, modify an order, or handle a relocation issue, our team is here to assist you. We provide clear advice and zealous representation to achieve favorable outcomes for you and your family.

Contact us today for a consultation with a Michigan child custody lawyer and take the first step toward resolving your custody matter.

How Kraayeveld Family Law Can Help with Your Michigan Child Custody Case

If you’re wondering how to file for custody in Michigan, look no further than Kraayeveld Family Law. Our experienced attorneys understand the logistical and emotional challenges that come with custody disputes, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible for you. Our attorneys will work closely with you throughout each stage of your custody case to ensure you meet all legal criteria. We stay updated on all new Michigan custody laws to provide you with accurate and effective counsel.

Our goal is to provide personalized attention every step of the way and develop custody strategies that align with your needs and your child’s best interests. We will help you prepare your custody application, represent you in court, and address any disputes or concerns from the other parent.

In our 30-plus years as a family law firm, we’ve understood the seriousness of a child custody dispute. There’s a lot at stake for you, your child(ren), and your future as a family. You are feeling immense distress and have crucial questions that need answers. So, we at Kraayeveld Family Law make it a priority to promptly respond to you when you reach out to us. Our law firm’s one-business-day guarantee assures you that we address your concerns quickly.

Trust Kraayeveld Family Law to guide you through your Michigan child custody case with confidence and compassion.

What Are the Different Types of Child Custody in Michigan?

In Michigan, there are two main types of custody: legal and physical. Parents can hold sole or joint rights to legal or physical custody.

Physical custody in Michigan determines where the children live. When parents have physical custody, their children live with them, either full-time or part-time, and receive day-to-day care from them. When parents have legal custody, it means they have the right to make important decisions about their children’s lives. This includes decisions about education, health care, and religious upbringing.

In sole custody arrangements, one parent has full physical or legal custody rights. This type of arrangement might be necessary if one parent is unfit or unable to care for the child. Conversely, joint custody in Michigan means both parents share physical or legal custody. This means both parents play active roles in their children’s lives, including making important decisions together and sharing time with them.

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Client Reviews

I worked with Kelsey on a custody case. She is very capable, thorough and responsive. Billing is fair for the high quality of the service. Would not hesitate to work with her again in the future.

- Eric on Google Review

Kraayeveld Family Law were extremely helpful! Jordan was working with me and my child time case. He was helpful, nice and responsive. He is very knowledgeable and explained information and the steps thoroughly.

- Jake on Google Review

Professionalism, Integrity and Rigor are a few words that best describe Kraayeveld Family Law. Jim is kind and hard working and gets the job done. I trust them to know their stuff.

- James on Google Review

The services that Kraayeveld Family Law are one of the best everyone who helped me there had a smile on their face, they also where very professional and right to the point they got everything resolved in a very timely manner i would highly recommend them.

- Julian on Google Review

In a state of distress I called multiple family law firms, I’m so blessed that this is where I was led. Even through multiple stalls from opposing counsel my attorney kept me informed and comforted in the process. I am pleased with the outcome.

- Anna on Google Review

Brooke A. Johnston

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How Can I Improve My Chances of Securing My Desired Custody or Visitation Rights?

Whether you’re aiming for joint custody or wondering how to get sole custody in Michigan, here are some actions you can take to strengthen your case:

Stay Involved

Participate actively in your child’s academic and extracurricular activities to show your ongoing engagement in their life. Document these interactions as proof for the court.

Follow Court Orders

Adhere to any current court orders related to custody or visitation. This shows the court you respect the legal processes and are a responsible parent.

Support the Child’s Relationship with the Other Parent

Encourage a positive relationship between your child and the other parent unless doing so would be harmful to the child.

Cooperate with the Other Parent

Show willingness to cooperate and communicate effectively with the other parent, which the court will often view favorably.

Seek Legal Guidance

Work with a knowledgeable Michigan family law attorney who understands child custody matters. They can help you navigate the legal process effectively.

Prepare for the Other Parent’s Strategies

Discuss potential strategies the other parent might use with your lawyer, who can help you anticipate these moves and prepare accordingly.

What Must Judges Consider in Michigan Child Custody Cases?

When Michigan judges make decisions about child custody, they focus on what is best for the child according to specific guidelines outlined in Michigan child custody laws.

The law lists multiple Michigan custody factors that judges must consider to determine the child’s best interests, such as:

Emotional Connections – Love, affection, and emotional ties between the child and each parent
Capacity for Guidance – Each parent’s capacity to give the child love, affection, and guidance, including continuing the child’s education and religious upbringing
Basic Needs – The ability of each parent to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care, and other material needs
Stable Living Environment – How long the child has lived in a stable environment, and the benefits of maintaining this continuity
Permanence – The permanence of the family unit within the existing or proposed custodial home
Moral Fitness – The moral fitness of each parent
Health – The physical and mental health of each parent
Child’s Records – The child’s performance in their home, school, and community settings
Child’s Preferences – The child’s reasonable preference, if they are of a suitable maturity level
Parental Cooperation – The willingness and ability of each parent to encourage a close and continuing relationship between the child and the other parent
History of Violence – Any occurrence of domestic violence in the family, whether directed at or witnessed by the child
Other Relevant Factors – Any other factor deemed relevant to a specific child custody dispute, such as either parent’s ability to pay child support

Can I Have My Child Custody Agreement Modified?

Yes. You can ask the court to modify your child custody arrangement if there are significant changes in your circumstances or you have proper cause. Courts require proof of a material change affecting your child’s well-being before they will consider modifying custody.

For example, if one parent relocates, changes jobs, or experiences health issues, these could qualify as substantial changes. Significant changes in the child’s needs as they grow older might also justify a parenting time modification. To start the process, you must file a motion with the court that originally issued the custody order. You must clearly explain the changes in circumstances and how they impact the child’s best interests.

The court’s primary concern is always the child’s welfare. Any decision to modify custody will focus on ensuring that the new arrangement serves the child’s best interests.

How Long Can a Child Custody Case Take in Michigan?

The length of a child custody case in Michigan can vary significantly depending on several factors. If both parents agree on custody terms, the process could be relatively quick, potentially concluding in a few weeks. However, if the parents disagree and the case becomes contested, it could take much longer. A contested custody case might last for several months to over a year. The duration often depends on:

The complexity of the custody issues
The court’s schedule
The time it takes to gather all necessary information and complete evaluations

Do I Need a Lawyer Even If My Co-Parent and I Agree on How to Share Custody?

Yes. Even if you and your co-parent agree on how to share custody, it’s still advisable to hire a lawyer, especially in scenarios involving child custody for unmarried parents. Professional legal support is essential for formalizing your agreement with the court to make it legally binding and for anticipating potential future issues.

A child custody lawyer in Michigan can draft a clear and comprehensive agreement that outlines all relevant terms and complies with state laws and court requirements. They can also provide essential legal advice on your rights and obligations under the agreement to ensure it is both fair and comprehensive and protects both your and your child’s interests.

How Far Can a Parent Move with Joint Custody?

In Michigan, a parent with joint custody cannot move a child’s residence by more than 100 miles from their current residence without the court’s permission or the other parent’s agreement. The purpose of this restriction is to maintain a stable relationship between the child and both parents.

But what happens if a parent wishes to relocate the child’s legal residence by further than 100 miles? In that case, they must provide a valid reason for the move and demonstrate that it would not adversely affect the child’s relationship with the other parent. The court will then decide based on the child’s best interests.