When parents share legal custody, or the right to make important decisions for their child, it is crucial to set how each parent will participate in various aspects of their child's life. Having only one way to resolve all issues involving a child’s upbringing will...
Child Custody
Do Michigan courts consider children’s wishes in custody cases?
Child custody is a deeply sensitive aspect of a divorce or separation. Nevertheless, it is essential for you to navigate this matter with empathy and understanding to ensure your child’s overall well-being. This involves knowing how courts decide on custody. In...
How to make birdnesting work for your family
In Michigan, about 20,000 couples divorced in 2021. For many of these couples, children and child custody is a concern. Determining how to coparent is challenging for all families, but there may be unique options, like birdnesting, that you have not considered....
How a judge decides a motion to modify custody in Michigan
Child custody orders are not permanent. In Michigan, either parent can petition the court to reconsider a legal custody order. When considering the motion, a judge will go through some basic steps. Establishing a proper cause Custodial and non-custodial parents can...
Can you and your children relocate following a divorce?
Divorcing your spouse when you share children will require a custody agreement. Where your children will live could vary depending on parent-child relationships and the family dynamic. If you desire to take your children and relocate away from your soon-to-be-ex, you...
Managing custody when your ex will not comply with court orders
Watching the impact of a divorce on your children can cause uncertainty and sadness. Once the court finalizes your custody order, you and your ex have a legal obligation to share parenting responsibilities. Managing a custody arrangement when your ex will not honor...
Common summer custody issues
If you have an order in place that defines the division of custody through the summer months, you might find that the schedule you established does not work with the plans that you, your ex or your children have made for the summer. You are not necessarily locked into...
Should you opt out of joint custody?
Joint custody has numerous acclaims due to studies across the years that have shown how helpful this type of custody is for children. However, as with every custody option, it does not suit every family perfectly. What sort of situations do not benefit from joint...
How do the courts determine an unfit parent?
After a divorce, you and your former spouse have an obligation to your children. Unfortunately, in some instances, one spouse may not fulfill his or her obligations. If you worry that your child's other parent cannot care for your child, you can work through the...
Questions about stepparent adoption
Stepparents can be a blessing to families with an uninvolved or unfit noncustodial parent. Stepparents step up and provide love and support to children when they join a family. As the spouse of the custodial parent of a child, a stepparent can choose to legally adopt...