Troy Child Custody Lawyers
“What happens with the children?” is often the toughest question to resolve when married or unmarried parents end a relationship. It is important to note that Michigan child custody and shared parenting laws, as well as
child support laws, are the same whether the parents are married or not.
At Sakis & Sakis, PLC, we help parents protect their rights regarding the time they will spend with their children once a relationship ends. Our lawyers strive to reach agreement with the child’s other parent through negotiation. In our experience, parents who reach agreement on custody and visitation issues without litigating retain more control over the parenting plan and encounter fewer problems enforcing the plan. If a resolution cannot be reached amicably, however, we always stand prepared to protect your parental rights in court and present a strong case on your behalf.
How Michigan Courts Rule On Child Custody
Michigan courts encourage both parents to remain engaged in their children’s lives. If parents are unable to reach agreement on custody and parenting time (visitation), the court issues a ruling by determining what is in the child’s best interest. The court considers 12 factors in deciding the best interests of the child. These include:
- The love, affection and other emotional ties existing between the parties involved and the child
- 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
- The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity
- 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
Legal custody provides the right to make decisions about a child’s education, health care, religion and extracurricular activities. Courts are encouraged to award joint legal custody so both parents have equal say in what happens with their children.
Parenting time (sometimes referred to as physical custody) determines where a child will spend his or her days and nights, which includes overnights and holidays. Whether you expect to reach agreement on child custody and visitation issues with your child’s other parent amicably or it’s possible you will have to litigate, it is important to have a knowledgeable and experienced Troy child custody attorney in your corner.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation. We will review the facts of your case, provide a candid assessment of what you can expect, and recommend the best steps to take.
