Michigan Child Custody Lawyer

Resolving Complex Custody Disputes With Care

Child custody issues are among the most sensitive and emotionally charged aspects of any family law case. Whether you're navigating a divorce, separation, or a dispute between unmarried parents, securing the right custody arrangement for your child is essential. The goal is to promote a stable, healthy environment that prioritizes the child’s well-being while protecting parental rights. Our skilled Michigan child custody lawyer can help you navigate this complex legal process and advocate for an outcome that aligns with your family’s needs.

Are you facing a difficult custody battle and unsure of your rights? Call Bashore Green Law Group today at (248) 487-1887 or contact us online to protect your role in your child’s life.

How Is Child Custody Decided in Michigan?

Michigan courts base child custody decisions on what serves the child's best interests. Judges consider a wide range of factors as outlined in the Michigan Child Custody Act, including:

• The emotional ties between each parent and the child
• Each parent’s ability to provide love, affection, and guidance
• The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
• The stability of the family environment offered by each parent
• The emotional and physical well-being of each parent
• Each parent’s readiness to encourage the child’s bond with the other parent
• Any history of domestic violence, regardless of whether it was directed at or witnessed by the child

Although Michigan law promotes active involvement from both parents in a child’s upbringing, the final custody decision is based on the particular details of each situation. Judges may also consider the child’s wishes, especially when the child is considered mature enough to offer a thoughtful perspective.

What Are the Different Types of Custody?

In Michigan, custody falls into two main categories: legal and physical.

• Legal Custody: Refers to the authority to make significant decisions regarding the child’s upbringing. This includes choices about education, medical care, and religious practices. Legal custody can be awarded to one parent or jointly to both parents.
• Physical Custody: Involves where the child resides on a day-to-day basis. Physical custody can also be sole or joint. In joint physical custody arrangements, the child spends substantial time with both parents, which does not necessarily mean equal time.

Custody arrangements can vary significantly depending on what the court believes will benefit the child most. It's also common for one parent to have primary physical custody while both parents share legal custody, allowing each to have a say in the child's long-term welfare.

What Makes a Parent Unfit?

When determining custody, the court may consider whether a parent is unfit to care for a child. A parent may be deemed unfit based on:

• A history of abuse or neglect
• Substance abuse issues
• Mental health concerns that interfere with parenting ability
• Criminal behavior or a history of incarceration
• A demonstrated unwillingness or inability to provide a stable home

Evidence of unfitness can strongly influence custody decisions. That said, accusations alone are not enough—a parent must present clear and convincing evidence to demonstrate that the other party is unfit. Courts are cautious in restricting parental rights and do so only when necessary to protect the child’s safety and development.

Contact Our Michigan Child Custody Attorney Today 

Child custody matters can have a lasting impact on you and your child. It’s critical to approach these issues with a thorough understanding of Michigan law and a clear strategy for protecting your role in your child’s life. Working with a Michigan child custody lawyer from Bashore Green Law Group can provide the legal insight and advocacy you need during this critical time. From negotiating custody agreements to representing you in court, our team is committed to pursuing an arrangement that supports your child’s future and respects your rights as a parent.

Don’t navigate your custody dispute alone. Contact a skilled Michigan child custody lawyer now to get the experienced legal support your family deserves!