Michigan Child Custody Lawyers

Determining child custody can be one of the most challenging aspects of a divorce, as both parents are often emotional and worried about what the future holds. We do not recommend trying to resolve custody disputes on your own, especially if your ex is represented by their own lawyer. You need to speak with experienced Michigan child custody lawyers who can help guide you and explain how the process works.

Divorce or separation can have a major effect on your children. It is important to try to resolve any custody disputes in the least disruptive manner to help avoid further emotional trauma.

Who We Help

Every family arrives with a different story. Our team guides families through various situations, and we’re ready to help you. Here are common situations where our clients turn to us for help:

• You need a formal custody order and are not sure where to begin. Maybe you do not know where to file, which forms you need, what the court will look at, or how the process even starts. We walk you through each step.
• You are getting divorced and need a parenting plan. You want a workable plan for where your children will live, when each parent sees them, and who makes major decisions about school, health care, and daily routines.
• You were never married to the other parent. You need a court order for paternity, custody, visitation, parenting time, decision-making, or child support.
• You want both parents involved and need a practical schedule. We help you build a routine that covers weekdays, weekends, holidays, school breaks, transportation, and your child’s age and daily rhythm.
• You and the other parent disagree. When you cannot agree on the schedule, school, medical care, safety, communication, or what arrangement is best for your child, the court may need to decide. We prepare your case with care.

If you find yourself in a different situation than the examples listed, our team will still schedule a consultation. Reach out today to see how we can help you make the best decisions for your family going forward.

The Basic Child Custody Process in Michigan

Every case is a little different, but most Michigan custody cases follow a similar path. Here is what you can generally expect:

1. Filing your case. Custody usually starts with a filing. This may be part of a divorce petition, a paternity action, or a standalone custody complaint. The court where your child lives typically handles the matter.
2. Temporary orders. Courts often put temporary orders in place early on. These set short-term rules for custody, parenting time, and support while your case moves along, so your children have stability in the meantime.
3. The best interests standard. Michigan judges decide custody based on the “best interests of the child.” Under state law, the court weighs many factors, such as the bond between each parent and the child, the parents’ ability to support their child, and other standards. These factors help a judge determine which arrangement is best for the child’s overall well-being.
4. Mediation or negotiation. Many Michigan courts often encourage parents to reach an agreement through mediation before trial. Working things out this way is often faster, less costly, and easier on your children.
5. Trial, if needed. When parents cannot agree, a judge hears the evidence and decides. We prepare every case as though it could go to trial, so you are ready no matter what.
6. The final order. Once custody, parenting time, and support are set, the court enters a final order. Both parents are required by law to follow this order. If circumstances change later, you can ask the court to modify it.

Why Choose Robbins & Licavoli

Here at Robbins & Licavoli, our team is dedicated to helping parents determine the best solutions for their families. We’ll guide you through every step of your child custody case with compassionate, steady advocacy. Here is what makes working with us different:

• We listen before we advise. Your family is not a file number. We take time to understand your situation, your worries, and your goals for your children.
• We explain things clearly. Legal terms can be confusing, so we walk you through everything. You will always know where your case stands and what comes next.
• We aim for calm resolutions first. When both parents can cooperate, we push for agreements that reduce conflict and keep costs down. That approach is usually better for children, too.
• We are ready to fight when it counts. If the other side will not deal fairly, we bring a well-prepared case to court and advocate hard for you and your children.
• We stay reachable. You should never feel left in the dark. We will return your calls, answer questions, and keep you informed at every stage.

Our case process is straightforward. We start with a conversation about your goals. Then we build a plan, gather the documents and evidence your case needs, and pursue the best result through negotiation, mediation, or trial. Throughout your case, we keep your children’s welfare at the center of everything.

Let’s Talk About Your Family

Custody questions rarely wait, and putting them off only adds stress. If you have concerns about where your children will live, how time will be shared, or who makes decisions for them, we are here to help you sort it out. Contact Robbins & Licavoli today to schedule a consultation. Our Michigan child custody lawyers will listen to your story, answer any your questions, and help you plan a path that protects what matters most: your children.

FAQs About Child Custody in Michigan