Oakland County Child Custody Lawyer

Protecting Your Rights to Child Custody in Oakland County Court

Child custody issues can arise in a variety of contexts, including divorce and the modification of an existing custody order. Both Michigan law and courts take child custody matters very seriously, and a custody order can affect your life and your relationship with your children for years. You always want to ensure you receive a fair and reasonable child custody order, so it is best to seek the help of an Oakland County child custody lawyer if you believe a case is in your future. 

At Robbins & Licavoli, PLLC, we understand how stressful child custody matters can be. We have tools to help you resolve these cases on your own terms whenever possible and, if needed, we have the litigation experience to protect your parental rights in court. If you need representation and guidance in a child custody case, we are ready to help. 

Custody Laws in Michigan

Every child custody determination must be in line with the Michigan Child Custody Act of 1970. This law requires that all courts ensure that custody arrangements are always focused on the best interests of the child. When deciding what is in the best interests of the child, judges should consider many factors, such as:

• The child’s existing relationship with each parent
• Each parent’s capacity and willingness to care for the child’s well-being
• The child’s current situation and ties to community, family, school, and more
• Whether each parent has the necessary moral fitness to provide a safe and healthy environment for the child
• Additional factors the judge finds relevant to a specific situation

Courts should always focus on the best interests of the child and issue orders centered around this concept. 

Types of Custody Arrangements

First, you should understand that there are two different types of custody involved in each case, which are called legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody gives you the right to make important decisions for your child, including healthcare, religious, and educational decisions. Physical custody gives you the right to spend time with your child.  

Courts can award shared custody to both parents or sole custody to one parent. In Michigan, courts will presume that shared physical and legal custody is in the child’s best interests unless the court finds that one parent is unfit, unable, or unwilling to care for the child. The question often centers on how the two parents will share custody, which should be set out in a detailed parenting plan.

Some parents come up with their own shared custody plan and submit it to the court. Other parents may want to fight for sole custody, such as if a child might be in danger, and you need a skilled litigator ready to protect you and your children. 

Discuss Your Case with an Oakland County Child Custody Lawyer as Soon as Possible

Whether you are trying to agree on an out-of-court custody arrangement or need to go to trial, the Oakland County child custody attorneys at Robbins & Licavoli, PLLC can help. Contact us today to discuss your options.