Top Child Custody Lawyer Near Me

Whether you have a divorce case with children, a paternity action, or a child custody case arising on its own, this type of family law matter can be stressful. After all, your parental rights and future relationship with your child can be on the line. Even if you believe you are getting along with your child’s other parent, it is important to have the right legal representation from the start. Do not wait to speak with a top child custody lawyer near you to learn more. 

Child Custody Determinations in Michigan

Gone are the days when family courts automatically favor a mother over a father when it comes to custody rights. Instead, Michigan custody determination must be based on what is in the best interests of the child. The current law now presumes that it is in a child’s best interests to have a strong relationship with both parents whenever possible. For this reason, custody orders should promote such strong relationships unless there are extraordinary circumstances. 

The best interests of the child standard requires the court to consider many different factors, including:

• The child’s needs and desires (if the child is mature enough)
• Each parent’s mental and physical health
• The proximity of the parents’ homes 
• The child’s ties to community, schools, and other family members
• Whether there is the likelihood of abuse or neglect by one parent
• Whether one parent has not abided by their parenting time schedule or tried to keep the child from the other parent
• Any other relevant factors

There are two aspects to child custody – parenting time (physical custody) and legal custody (decision-making authority). Either of these can be sole or joint, but the majority of custody arrangements in Michigan are joint absent any risks to the child. 

Do You Need a Child Custody Attorney?

You may be curious whether you really need to retain a child custody lawyer to represent you, especially if there is nothing in your past that could indicate that you are somehow unfit. It’s important to understand that judges have significant discretion when making decisions about child custody, and it’s important to do everything you can to protect your parental rights.

In addition, the representation of a child custody attorney can increase the chances that you will be able to reach an out-of-court agreement with your child’s other parent. It is almost always preferable to reach an agreement out of court when possible, as it allows both parents to feel that their needs have been addressed. In addition, reaching an out-of-court settlement tends to be much less expensive than fighting it out in court.

Learn More from a Top Child Custody Lawyer Near You

If you are involved in a child custody dispute, you should contact a child custody lawyer near you as soon as you can. At the Law Offices of Robbins & Licavoli, we know how to protect your parental rights and will fight tirelessly to obtain the most favorable result possible. To schedule a consultation with a member of our team, contact us today.