Saugatuck Child Custody Lawyer

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Custody can be one of the most challenging and emotional aspects of a divorce case. From determining what type of custody works best for your circumstances to the challenges you may encounter from the child’s other parent, child custody in Saugatuck, Michigan, is difficult to navigate.

The good news is you do not have to do it alone. Our experienced Saugatuck child custody attorneys are ready to answer all your questions and fight for your desired custody arrangement.

Contact Kraayeveld Family Law  or call (616) 383-2679 today to schedule an initial case evaluation with our experienced child custody lawyers.

How Our Saugatuck Family Law Attorneys Can Assist with Your Child Custody Case

The child custody lawyers at Kraayeveld Family Law are ready to take on the legal challenges of your child custody matter to help you reach a favorable outcome.

Here are some examples of the ways we can help:

  • We can thoroughly discuss your needs and objectives in your child custody case.
  • We can then analyze your situation and secure the evidence needed to build your arguments during an initial custody proceeding or a petition to modify an existing child custody order.
  • We can prepare you for what to expect during custody proceedings.
  • We can advise you during negotiations or mediation with the child’s other parent.
  • We can advocate for you in court to seek a custody arrangement that best achieves your goals.
  • We can take your child custody case to the Michigan Court of Appeals or Michigan Supreme Court, if necessary.

Child Custody Laws in Michigan

At Kraayeveld Family Law, we understand that Michigan child custody laws can be confusing. Our firm concentrates on making the custody process easy to understand for parents. We are ready to handle the complex legal process for you so we can assertively pursue your goals.

Michigan law recognizes two types of child custody:

  • Physical custody, which involves the parent’s right to have their child live with them and make decisions about the child’s daily activities while in their care.
  • Legal custody, which involves the parent’s right to make decisions about certain issues involving the child, such as education, medical treatment, and religious practices.

Child custody in Michigan is further divided into sole custody or joint custody. Sole custody means just one parent has the right to exercise both physical and legal custody. When parents have joint physical custody of a child, each parent is entitled to periods of parenting time with the child. When parents have joint legal custody of a child, the two parents must reach an agreement on specific issues related to the child’s upbringing.

The Role of a Child Custody Lawyer in Saugatuck

Child custody cases involve numerous issues, including physical placement, parenting time, decision-making authority, and financial support. Child custody lawyers in Saugatuck must be well-versed in Michigan’s child custody laws to protect your parental rights and offer you the legal advice and advocacy you need when so much is at stake.

Our custody lawyers can assist with all aspects of your case. From handling all necessary paperwork and court filings to representing you at hearings and managing all negotiations and mediation, you can expect comprehensive representation as we fight for the custody arrangement you want. At Kraayeveld Family Law, we offer our legal services with the emotional support and guidance you need during a challenging time.

Common Challenges in Child Custody Cases

Child custody cases in Saugatuck can be contentious as each parent seeks what they believe is the best arrangement for them and their child.

Some common issues in child custody cases include:

  • Disagreements between the parents – Disputes between parents can escalate quickly, especially at the outset of a divorce case. With two people already in disagreement about their marriage or relationship, prolonged legal battles about the type of custody, visitation schedules, and decision-making authority often arise. Each parent requires separate counsel to guide them through the process to help them reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. If the parents and their lawyers cannot agree, the court will determine custody based on the best interests of the child.
  • Relocation by the parents – If one parent wishes to move away, an established custody arrangement is disturbed, which can impact the child’s security and access to both parents. The decision to relocate should not be taken lightly, and numerous factors should be considered, including the distance, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the impact on the child’s well-being. Parents considering relocation should consult with their respective attorneys. If necessary, the court will evaluate the reasons for the proposed move and determine whether it is in the child’s best interest. In most situations, parents will need the court’s permission before moving out of state or more than 100 miles.
  • Substantial changes in circumstances – The parents’ and child’s circumstances can significantly change over time. Specifically, jobs, health issues, and financial instability, among other factors, may require modification to custody agreements.
  • Domestic violence – Allegations of domestic violence can significantly affect custody determinations as the safety and well-being of the child is of paramount importance. The court will take action to protect the child from harm, including through issuing protective orders. The parent who alleges that domestic violence has occurred should be prepared to present evidence of such events to support the need for modifying an existing order.

Factors Courts Consider in Saugatuck Child Custody Cases

Michigan courts must determine whether a proposed child custody arrangement serves the child’s best interests. Judges decide what is in the child’s best interests by considering various factors under state law, including:

  • The nature of the bond or emotional ties between the child and their parents, including how much time each parent spends with the child and which parent handles tasks like feeding or bathing the child
  • The ability of each parent to provide the child with love, affection, guidance, education, and religious or moral upbringing
  • The capacity of each parent to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care, and other material needs
  • The length of time the child has lived in a stable, appropriate environment and the desirability of continuing that environment
  • The permanence of the existing or proposed custodial homes
  • Each parent’s moral fitness
  • The respective physical and mental health of the parents
  • The child’s home, school, and community record or ties
  • The willingness of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship
  • Any history of domestic violence by either parent
  • The child’s preference, if the child has the maturity to express a reasoned preference

Other factors courts may consider include:

  • Parents’ criminal histories
  • The state of the parents’ homes

Contact Our Saugatuck Child Custody Attorneys for Help

At Kraayeveld Family Law, we strive to provide you with the support and compassion you need throughout your child custody case. We understand how important custody issues are, especially when you are in the midst of a contentious divorce or when issues require modification of your current arrangement. Rest assured, we will guide you through the process and answer all your questions.

Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Saugatuck child custody attorney.