Joint Custody Attorney Michigan
Custody of minor children is one of the most important discussions to have with your attorney. The terms 'Physical Custody', 'Joint Custody', and 'Legal Custody' may be new to you. We can explain and guide you as to what these terms mean for you and your children’s future.
Family Law Attorney Milford
When parents disagree, your case may be referred to the local Friend of the Court, or similar agency, for review or recommendation. The Friend of the Court is a state agency designed to assist judges make tough decisions regarding the welfare and placement of your children into child custody arrangements with one or both parents. It is important to know how the Friend of the Court operates and understand what it looks for when assessing your family’s dynamics. A Friend of the Court assessment and recommendation is not final and can be reviewed by the judge. However, it holds great weight and can significantly influence your case. Spindler, Nausieda & Associates appreciates the rights of parents and will vigorously advocate for the best interests of your children.
In determining child custody, the court will consider the following factors/guidelines in determining what is in the best interest of the minor child(ren). The factors listed below are considered, evaluated, and determined by the court:
(a) The love, affection, and other emotional ties existing between the parties involved and the child.
(b) The capacity and disposition of the parties involved to give the child love, affection, and guidance and to continue the education and raising of the child in his or her religion or creed, if any.
(c) The capacity and disposition of the parties involved to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care or other remedial care recognized and permitted under the laws of this state in place of medical care, and other material needs.
(d) The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment, and the desirability of maintaining continuity.
(e) The permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or proposed custodial home or homes.
(f) The moral fitness of the parties involved.
(g) The mental and physical health of the parties involved.
(h) The home, school, and community record of the child.
(i) The reasonable preference of the child, if the court considers the child to be of sufficient age to express preference.
(j) The willingness and ability of each of the parties to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent or the child and the parents.
(k) Domestic violence, regardless of whether the violence was directed against or witnessed by the child.
(l) Any other factor considered by the court to be relevant to a particular child custody dispute.
The custody factors are an Act which was instituted in 1970 and is known as the "best interest factors of the child".
[CHILD CUSTODY ACT OF 1970]
