Importance of Dedicated Lawyers for Child Custody in Michigan, Metro Detroit.

Facing divorce and custody cases is understandably difficult. Clients have to look for lawyers that would take this case seriously. All lawyers are equipped with the knowledge and skill. Yet, there is a big difference in having lawyers that focus on these cases with a specialty. One can ensure that the case will be taken care of well and clients get the best possible solution or court arrangement. Lawyers must feel the client for he is needed in this unfortunate experience of separation and sharing of children’s time. These attorneys can be expected to feel empathy and make this ordeal as convenient legally and humanly possible.

 

Benefits of Having Dedicated Lawyers for Child Custody

Passionate lawyers can give you an assurance that more than the skills and knowledge, they will offer professional service but do what it takes just to fight with you in the case you are facing. The effect of this is the hope that one can overcome this hurdle yet important milestone in one’s life to arrive at a better situation in the future, especially for one’s children. Divorce cases entail financial matters and the different assets that need to be justly divided. However, child custody is more than the monetary value. Caring for a child is priceless, even if one possesses the power to make the odds favor him or her. The time and resources at stake in fighting for parental rights are at the expense of the child’s interest. It takes a lot of time to get used to whatever court decision and make things right. This is the importance of having lawyers that will be there on your side not just in time of the hearing and consultation period.

 

Dedicated Lawyers for Child Custody in Michigan, Metro Detroit

The case of child custody is already said to be a hard case. It cannot be equated nor simplified as mere separation and support because children have the right of being nurtured by parents. And, as much as possible, living together. One’s attorney needs commitment and having the best, if not, most just custody arrangement from the court. Parents commonly love their children very much. Thus, separation would be not easy for both parents and more for the children affected. Both parties have a deep and abiding desire to care for the child. As much as possible, have them in their lives closely. Dedicated lawyers can see this and understand that their work resides not just in technical legal matters. They are needed in clearing up the process of deciding and following the next right thing.

 

Goldman and Associates Law Firm specializes in family law, including cases of divorce and child custody. The attorneys you can trust are well versed and professional in their service. As they specialize in family law, they will make sure that they will take the matter seriously and passionately. So, if you have concerns about finding dedicated lawyers for child custody in Michigan and Metro Detroit or any other related cases, learn more and schedule an appointment.

Will the Mother Automatically Get Custody from the Court of Michigan, Metro Detroit?

Naturally, when it comes to nurturing a child, it is the role of the mother. This case is particular when breastfeeding or nursing the child. However, when it comes to the separation of parents, whether married or not, the court of Michigan Detroit does not automatically give custody to the mother. The judge decides without gender preference. As a rule, the court grants custody to the primary caregiver. Usually, the mother gets primary custody because the father is working. Yet, even mothers work nowadays, so the custody is shared or joint in this latter scenario. So, the mother will not automatically get custody from the Court of Michigan, Metro Detroit.

 

How does the Michigan court decide which parent gets custody of the children?

There are two types of custody that the law upholds. The first one is legal custody, in which parents possess the right to have a say in the major decisions concerning their child. Moreover, this gives the parent the right to visit and to communicate with them. Commonly, parents retain legal custody even after the divorce process. The only way to lose this legal custody is to lose parental rights, or the court decides to grant sole legal custody to one parent, depending on the circumstances present.

 

The second custody is called physical custody. This kind of custody pertains to who will keep the child in one’s home. The child stays with one parent. However, physical custody is also shared just like the former. This kind of custody is one of the main issues considered in the divorce process. The court will decide in the best interest of the child. The interests of parents are considered only secondary.

 

Factors that Michigan, Metro Detroit Court Considers in Deciding Who Will Take Custody

The following are the factors that could affect the wellbeing of a child, determined by the court of Michigan. Identifying these factors helps assess the possible custodian, especially in the physical custody.

  1. The parent can maintain the mutual relationships of love and affection between the other parent and child before the separation
  2. The chosen parent will continue to provide that love and affection after the conclusion of the divorce.
  3. The parent can provide basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care.
  4. One can retain and continue a consistent and stable environment the child used to have or has grown up with, including the presence of siblings.
  5. The court will also do its best to make the child stay in their current home, that is why the court most likely gives the family residence to the custodial parent.
  6. Parents’ moral situations are also considered. Examples of this are criminal records or a child’s knowledge of an extramarital affair of either parent. The rationale for this is that the parents set moral examples for their children.
  7. The wellbeing of parents is also assessed, highlighting the mental and physical, but without having discriminatory consideration against certain disabilities.
  8. The child’s background in education, home, and community is noticed.
  9. The court will interview the child and his or her preferred parent if the child is old enough to have a reasonable preference.
  10. The parent is open to the responsibility and willing to facilitate the child’s relationship with the other parent. This reason excludes cases of domestic violence and sexual assault.
  11. Any history that a parent committed domestic violence.

 

Lawyers Recommendation about Custody Cases in Michigan, Metro Detroit

The factors presented above are not limited to both parents. The court may give custody to a non-biological parent under different cases. The custodial guardian could be relatives or even a non-relative. It is best to seek professional advice from family law specialists or lawyers near you. Goldman and Associates Law Firm is one of the well-versed family law attorneys that can help you face divorce and custody cases. If you have further questions regarding whether a father or a mother will automatically get custody from the Court of Michigan, Metro Detroit, book an appointment with us!

The factors presented above are not limited to both parents. The court may give custody to a non-biological parent under different cases. The custodial guardian could be relatives or even a non-relative. It is best to seek professional advice from family law specialists or lawyers near you. Goldman and Associates Law Firm is one of the well-versed family law attorneys that can help you face divorce and custody cases. If you have further questions regarding whether a father or a mother will automatically get custody from the Court of Michigan, Metro Detroit, book an appointment with us!

Why You Should Hire An Attorney For An Uncontested Divorce – Michigan Lawyers

While it is possible to go through a divorce without obtaining the services of a lawyer, there is no guarantee that your interests will be adequately safeguarded. For those who can’t afford a lawyer, there are legal aid organizations that can assist you in building your case on your own.

Although you may be able to handle the matter on your own, it is best to have a lawyer on your side if your spouse has one. A free, no-obligation initial consultation of your divorce proceedings is available from Goldman & Associates, where we will make sure that your rights are safeguarded.

What Is An Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce occurs when the spouses reach an agreement on all divorce-related problems. While certain requirements must be met, an uncontested divorce is frequently much easier than a contested divorce because spouses can end their marriage without continuous negotiations, legal maneuvering, and court appearances.

Why You Need to Consult With a Divorce Lawyer

Many of your fears and anxieties might be alleviated by an expert divorce lawyer. What’s best for you and your family can be determined by an attorney. Divorce lawyers can assist you to submit motions before the divorce is finalized, negotiate with opposing counsel to help you secure the best settlement, represent you at different hearings and conferences pertaining to the divorce, and they can ensure that your rights are observed. Those lawyers who charge for an initial consultation should raise red flags. Because of this, you may not be able to rely on them to keep your costs low in the future.

Reasons to Hire A Divorce Lawyer For Your Uncontested Divorce

The Judge approves the content, not the paperwork itself.

Judges reject “perfect” papers on a daily basis because of the content. In the event when you and your husband are completely on the same page on every topic, the judge may nonetheless reject your divorce settlement terms. A local divorce lawyer can assist you in drafting the agreement in a form that will be accepted by the courts.

Courts allow but do not always accept self-represented petitioners.

Courts permit pro se litigants because they appreciate that legal representation is financially unattainable for many people but do not expect to be treated in a special way.

It’s not that people don’t want to help, it’s just that they can’t.

Judges and court personnel are expressly prohibited from providing legal advice. Certain individuals find themselves in court repeatedly as a result of a relatively slight procedural error or omission. A lawyer should be able to assist you in ensuring that your case is not stalled due to technical or procedural issues.

If you hire an attorney, your job is done once the deal is made.

If you engage an uncontested divorce lawyer to handle your divorce on your behalf, once you and your spouse reach an agreement, you are essentially finished and can delegate the remainder of the process to the lawyer.

Speak With A Family Law Expert Today

Before speaking to anybody else about your choices, it is vital to consult our Family Law Attorneys in Michigan first. Because time is always of the essence, you should seek the legal counsel of an experienced Michigan divorce lawyer as soon as possible.

Feel free to call us at (248) 588-3333 or use our online form to schedule a free consultation with our legal team now. An expert divorce lawyer in Michigan is ready to meet with you to discuss your case and provide you with the legal alternatives and solutions that you need.

Why You Should Hire An Attorney For An Uncontested Divorce – Michigan Lawyers

While it is possible to go through a divorce without obtaining the services of a lawyer, there is no guarantee that your interests will be adequately safeguarded. For those who can’t afford a lawyer, there are legal aid organizations that can assist you in building your case on your own.

Although you may be able to handle the matter on your own, it is best to have a lawyer on your side if your spouse has one. A free, no-obligation initial consultation of your divorce proceedings is available from Goldman & Associates, where we will make sure that your rights are safeguarded.

What Is An Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce occurs when the spouses reach an agreement on all divorce-related problems. While certain requirements must be met, an uncontested divorce is frequently much easier than a contested divorce because spouses can end their marriage without continuous negotiations, legal maneuvering, and court appearances.

Why You Need to Consult With a Divorce Lawyer

Many of your fears and anxieties might be alleviated by an expert divorce lawyer. What’s best for you and your family can be determined by an attorney. Divorce lawyers can assist you to submit motions before the divorce is finalized, negotiate with opposing counsel to help you secure the best settlement, represent you at different hearings and conferences pertaining to the divorce, and they can ensure that your rights are observed. Those lawyers who charge for an initial consultation should raise red flags. Because of this, you may not be able to rely on them to keep your costs low in the future.

Reasons to Hire A Divorce Lawyer For Your Uncontested Divorce

The Judge approves the content, not the paperwork itself.

Judges reject “perfect” papers on a daily basis because of the content. In the event when you and your husband are completely on the same page on every topic, the judge may nonetheless reject your divorce settlement terms. A local divorce lawyer can assist you in drafting the agreement in a form that will be accepted by the courts.

Courts allow but do not always accept self-represented petitioners.

Courts permit pro se litigants because they appreciate that legal representation is financially unattainable for many people but do not expect to be treated in a special way.

It’s not that people don’t want to help, it’s just that they can’t.

Judges and court personnel are expressly prohibited from providing legal advice. Certain individuals find themselves in court repeatedly as a result of a relatively slight procedural error or omission. A lawyer should be able to assist you in ensuring that your case is not stalled due to technical or procedural issues.

If you hire an attorney, your job is done once the deal is made.

If you engage an uncontested divorce lawyer to handle your divorce on your behalf, once you and your spouse reach an agreement, you are essentially finished and can delegate the remainder of the process to the lawyer.

Speak With A Family Law Expert Today

Before speaking to anybody else about your choices, it is vital to consult our Family Law Attorneys in Michigan first. Because time is always of the essence, you should seek the legal counsel of an experienced Michigan divorce lawyer as soon as possible.

Feel free to call us at (248) 588-3333 or use our online form to schedule a free consultation with our legal team now. An expert divorce lawyer in Michigan is ready to meet with you to discuss your case and provide you with the legal alternatives and solutions that you need.

Is A Notarized Custody Agreement Between Parents Accepted In Court?

A court cannot enforce a notarized custody agreement. Until a court order incorporates a written and notarized child custody agreement, it cannot be enforced as an agreement between parents. Co-parenting agreements are not binding on courts in Michigan, according to the state’s law.

However, if you have a notarized custody arrangement that hasn’t been adopted into a court order, the notarized document isn’t a waste of time. If one parent decides to no longer adhere to the agreement, the court can utilize that agreement as evidence in any future proceedings about the agreement’s validity.

Notarized custody agreements, on the other hand, are typically accepted by schools and used for other purposes, such as providing younger children with medical care and insurance. You should consult a local family law attorney in the county in which your child resides or where you are currently involved in litigation.

What is a Notarized Child Custody Agreement?

As a parent, you and your ex-partner must sign a notarized child custody agreement, which outlines how you will co-parent your minor children. At Goldman & Associates Law Firm in Michigan, we can assist you in drafting a child’s custody agreement as part of your ongoing legal proceedings.

How Do You Enforce a Child Custody Agreement in Court?

To have a court enforce your child custody agreement, you must apply for custody correctly and have the court adopt the agreed-upon child custody agreement into a child custody order. Having a notarized child custody agreement in place will be beneficial, since a judge will often honor an arrangement established outside of court between the minor kid’s parents.

If you’re in the middle of a custody struggle over your young kid, the experienced Michigan child’s custody attorneys at Goldman & Associates Law Firm can help you file for and negotiate a custody agreement.

Is Michigan the Right State to Handle My Child’s Custody Case?

If you’re fighting for custody of your child, you must do so in the state where they live. If Michigan is your child’s home state, a Michigan court will have jurisdiction. The state of Michigan may not be your child’s home state if he or she does not currently reside in Michigan or has not resided in Michigan for the past six months. If you’re unsure whether Michigan is the appropriate state for your custody dispute, you may wish to see a family attorney.

Do I Need to Hire a Custody Lawyer for a Child Custody Agreement?

Child custody lawyers in your area can assist you with the creation of or troubleshooting of a child custody arrangement. Your state’s laws on child custody arrangements can be better understood if you work with an experienced local attorney who is familiar with the local rules.

In addition, a lawyer can assist in the negotiation and finalization of the child custody arrangement. Having a lawyer ensures that the child receives the greatest possible solution for their needs. You can also expect your lawyer to represent you in court if the occasion arises.

Contact A Michigan Child Custody Lawyer Today

Often, the difference between success and failure in child custody battles comes down to preparation, strategy, and knowledge. At Goldman & Associates, our attorneys are knowledgeable in Michigan’s custody statutes, legal arguments, and preceding judicial decisions. As committed family law attorneys, we possess the necessary expertise, experience, computer software, research capabilities, and other resources to achieve a favorable child custody decision.

If you are involved in a child’s custody dispute in Michigan, contact one of our compassionate and skilled Michigan custody lawyers now for a free, confidential consultation. Make an appointment today!

How Fathers Can Get More Overnights When Mothers Won’t Allow It – Michigan Lawyers

How Fathers Can Get More Overnights When Mothers Won’t Allow It

Among the most upsetting experiences for kids is being separated from one parent. It’s more common for women to do this when they’re the primary caregivers and aim to limit the father’s involvement, but this can happen to both sexes.

Unfortunately, the children are the ones who suffer when one parent tries to distance themselves from the other. Parental estrangement in family law can also happen in other forms, such as when one parent speaks negatively about the other in an effort to be the preferred parent or to hinder the child from developing a positive bond with that parent.

The long-term consequences for the child can be severe, which is why it must be addressed immediately upon discovery. Consult your family attorney about this so he or she can guide you.

 

Rights of Fathers in

Society and even family members have often undervalued the importance of fathers in their children’s lives. In the past, women were viewed as “nurturing” while males were viewed as the breadwinners. Because of these biases, many fathers were unable to spend quality time with their children.

Both parents should be able to maintain meaningful contact with their children, as long as both parents are healthy enough to do so. As a result, many men give up on their efforts to play a significant role in their children’s lives since they believe that the mother’s role is more important than the father’s.

Men need to understand that they have rights in family law as well, and that it is in their best interests as well as the children’s to stand up for those rights. The parental rights of both the mother and the father are equally significant. Too many child’s custody cases are caused by one parent attempting to exert undue influence over the other parent’s child.

 

Optimizing Your Child’s Custody Schedule

If your children reside mostly with their mother, here are some clever methods to spend more time with them:

Drive your children to or from school

You may offer to drive them daily or on a limited basis each week.

Pick up the kids from daycare

If you get home before your ex, you could pick them up from childcare and she could pick them up from your place.

Spend time with your children over dinner

Pick one or two days a week when the kids can come home from school and hang out with you. You can tutor them with assignments, dine with them, and return them to their mother in time for bed.

Avoid long gaps between parenting time

If you and your ex split the weekends, be sure to schedule some time with the kids around hers.

Take advantage of school breaks

With school out, spending more time with the kids is much easier. You can take advantage of extra parenting time throughout school breaks.

Include the first right of refusal clause

The right of the first refusal says each parent will offer extra parenting time before asking for help. If one of you requires a babysitter, the other can spend more time with their kids.

Fight for Your Rights

You are entitled to various privileges as the father of a child. In the event that you feel that your rights have been violated in an earlier child’s custody agreement or that you aren’t getting enough time with your children, consult with your family attorney. You don’t have to be alone and there are ways to fix those issues, as well.

At Goldman and Associates Law Firm, we realize how difficult it may be to deal with a matter of this magnitude. Having an attorney-client privilege means that we can assist you to discover a solution that works best for your family.

To ensure that you have full parental rights over your child, consult with a family attorney at our office who has extensive experience in family law issues. Book an appointment with us today!

What is the First Thing I Should Do if I’m Bit By A Dog?

We always hear that dogs are man’s best friend. Unfortunately, just as best friends fight sometimes, men also experience having trouble with dogs. There are many cases of dog bites happening around. Dog bites are attacks on humans by domestic or feral dogs. We often ask, what is the first thing I should do if I am bitten by a dog? Well, the first thing one must do is to go to the doctor. One must prioritize taking care of his medical needs before pursuing the legal ones. 

Duration of the Validity of Legal Action After One is Bitten by a Dog 

The Michigan legislature gives people at least three years to file a claim. Sometimes, more time is given if the victim of dog bites is a minor. So there is a lot of time to do that. Again, one is advised to focus and aid his medical needs first. After doing all the necessary medical processes and recovery period, one can then pursue legal action and call a qualified attorney.

The lawyer will instruct the client about certain things that are necessary for due process. 

The Lawyers’ Role as First Thing in Helping Someone Bitten by a Dog 

The attorney will assess what are the damages to which you are entitled. These damages could be pain and suffering. One possible result of the incident is a permanent disfigurement supported by a scar. The effect of the incident will be evaluated to determine the just course of action. Other circumstances make the person lose weight that indicates a possible medical problem needing attention. So, it is important to be passionate about this cause because of life risks.

First Thing One Should Do in Technical Aspects for Legal Action 

There might be several aspects that are involved in terms of damage by a dog bite. In technical issues, there are many things to consider. One must know whose dog it was, to know the responsible person who will be held accountable for this mishap. Moreover, knowing the owner may get the chance to ask for insurance that will cover the laws and other things like this. So one of the best things to do is to search and work on the technicalities to help oneself. 

Michigan Lawyers: Doing the Laws for Victims of Dog Bite

Dog owners in Michigan are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. Even if a dog owner has taken precautions to keep their dog from biting others, they are still liable for accidents. This is true whether or not the dog has a history of violence. If the dog owner was negligent in owning the dog, they may be held liable for their negligence in addition to the offense of the Michigan dog bite ordinance.

Goldman and Associates Law Firm wants our clients to be safe and secure before and after seeking our legal services. If you have fallen victim to a dog bite or animal attack, ask what is the first thing I should do if I am bitten by a dog? Please do not hesitate to contact us. We will gladly provide you with immediate assistance in this matter.

 

Do I Lose Spousal Support If I Get Married In Michigan? – Michigan Lawyers

Many questions were raised to us in our social media accounts and website. Do I lose spousal support if I get married in Michigan? was one of the concerns that caught our attention. Alimony is another name for spousal support after the case of divorce. In general, when they created the terms of alimony, the advantages mentioned in the terms and conditions were terminated or ended upon death or remarriage.

Situations involving loss of spousal support or alimony due to re-marriage, in Michigan

In the case of an approved divorce and separation, the alimony contract serves as the divorce judgment in the court of Michigan. The provisions of the contract state that remarriage may result in the termination of benefits. If this is the case, the answer to the preceding question is self-evident. Can there be an appeal, and what happens if it is not specified in the contract?

Legal actions to be considered in proceeding to the loss of spousal support or alimony

If you remember, the real question is, do you lose it? Well, here is the general answer. The usual response to this is that spousal support is subject to modification upon a change of circumstances. Let us suppose. You can argue that the spousal support was need-based. In other words, your former partner needed it to survive the reason that there is a granted alimony. Now, the need has been addressed because of a remarriage. The new involved person is well off and can take care of your ex-partner. You can argue before the court, with the help of lawyers, that there has been a change in circumstances. The need is gone, so there should be a lesser support or a total elimination of alimony.

Appealing against the loss of spousal support or alimony

After the ex-spouse decides to proceed with the termination of alimony, his/her motion is filed before the court. For sure, there will be objections filed to that effort from the other party. This is 

where the appeal takes place.  The court will conduct a hearing to determine whether or not the circumstances have changed enough to result in a modification or elimination of the spousal support, with the presentation of circumstantial evidence as well.

Michigan Lawyers’ advice in the loss of spousal support if getting remarried

Dealing with a family law or divorce situation can be extremely difficult and stressful. However, if you are dealing with a family law matter, it is important to ask help from our Michigan family law experts. They can assist you in moving your case forward in the most cost-effective manner possible.

If you are in that situation or believe you might be on either side of that problem in the lawsuit, the best course of action is to seek the advice of a family lawyer. Then, talk about Do I Lose Spousal Support If I Get Married In Michigan?

Goldman and Associates Law Firm specializes in family law, with other specialties in criminal law and personal injury. Do you have any questions about that? Or would you like to see some additional information about that case? If so, please go to our official website.

Does The Title Of The House Change As If It’s Paid Off During The Marriage?

You fell in love with someone and then married that person. You and your partner purchased a home in anticipation of the birth of your first child. Life becomes hectic, and you quickly realize how many conflicts you’ve encountered. Conflicts eventually lead into fights, and now you’re reading a divorce attorney‘s blog about what will happen to your house.

This is where the lawyers at Goldman & Associates Law Firm step in. There are no certainties in divorce; nonetheless, experience allows for reasonable predictions and expectations.

Both your requests and the best interests of your case will be taken into account by our divorce attorneys as they assist you through this procedure. They will also address possible orders issued by a judge.

Divorce Attorney Defining the Conditions Under Which a Married Couple May Hold Title to a Property

Two persons often own property together in a marriage, either as tenants in common, joint tenants, or tenants by entireties.   If this is the case, then the property must be sold, mortgaged, or bequeathed by both parties. The majority of the time, a married couple will hold ownership to a property through joint tenancy or tenancy by the entirety. Tenancy in common ownership is less usual.

  •       Joint tenancy. You and your spouse jointly own the property, and upon the death of either of you, the property immediately passes to the surviving spouse. This is frequently referred to as joint tenancy with survivorship rights. Joint tenancy is a legal term that refers to any situation in which two or more persons possess property. It is not restricted to spouses.
  •       Tenancy by the entirety. Similar to joint tenancy, but applies only to spouses and is not recognized in all jurisdictions.
  •       Tenancy in common. Used when there are multiple owners on a property. When one owner dies, his or her heirs take over the property, rather than the other owners taking it over automatically.

Things to Consider When Making a Decision About Your Home

For most of our clients, negative memories of the house outweigh any positive ones, and this is why they come to us in the first place. The location of your home may also be a factor to consider. Numerous things will change as a result of the divorce.

Disposable Income

Your disposable income may fluctuate. Because you are investing more time with the kids, you may be unable to work the same number of hours or extra. Or you may be required to pay child support and/or spousal support, which may be temporary or restricted in duration.

Home Equity

If you wish to stay in the residence after the divorce, you must pay your spouse his or her part of the marital equity. You may be able to refinance the mortgage or give your spouse more assets to achieve an equitable divide.

Refinancing The Mortgage

Assuming you wish to stay in the house, your spouse will probably want his or her name removed off the mortgage. Consult a mortgage lender to see if you may refinance (and probably pay off your spouse’s equity).

Allow Our Michigan Divorce Attorneys to Assist You in Defending Your Marital Residence

For the sake of the children, the marital home may be a family inheritance, or it may be a wise investment. There are many good grounds to seek an award of marital property. Divorce attorneys at Goldman & Associates Law Firm can help you devise a strategy for staying in the marital home, no matter why you wish to leave. We can be reached by phone at (248) 590-6600 or by filling out our online appointment form.

How Does A Closed Domestic Violence Case Affect Child Custody? – Michigan Lawyers

Nearly 20 people are oppressed by their spouse every minute around the world. When children are involved, child’s custody and parenting time may be affected. When making decisions that impact children’s lives and where they live, here is how a court will evaluate claims or convictions of domestic abuse.

Domestic Violence Affects the Best Interests Criteria of the Child’s Custody

Courts apply the best interests of the child criteria when determining parenting time. In some instances, the court will take extreme measures to save children from harm. Despite the common belief that both parents should spend time with their children, the court will deviate from this rule if one parent poses a danger to the kids. When there is a history of domestic violence, the court has the power to limit access.

The court’s priority is to protect the children, and it must put the children in the safest possible environment. Having a parent with a history of violence raises the possibility that he or she may do the same to the kids. Even if the offenders do not physically harm the children, domestic violence may prevent them from receiving parenting time.

Things Considered in Domestic Violence and Child’s Custody

To begin, a family law attorney could clarify that domestic violence is defined quite broadly in New Jersey. Actual physical violence is only one manifestation. Other actions that come under the category of domestic violence include the following:

  •       Verbal abuse
  •       Threats
  •       Stalking
  •       Financial control
  •       Harassment

If one spouse makes threats of violence against the other, this constitutes domestic abuse. Victims of domestic abuse should, of course, seek a restraining order. Alternatively, they could use it to support a child’s custody case.

Domestic Violence Will Also Affect Parenting Time

Domestic violence can influence more than just physical custody. Child’s custody does not just refer to the location of the children; it establishes if the children are permitted to spend time with a parent as well as how much parenting time is permitted. Domestic violence affects both of these assessments. Domestic violence is a severe crime, and judges have no reason to treat it any differently.

Domestic Violence Does Not Always Mean Total Loss of Parenting Time

Even if the court finds evidence of domestic violence, this does not automatically entail a reduction in parental rights or time sharing obligations. The nature of the abuse will be scrutinized by the court and questions will be asked about the actual acts and frequency. Abusers who pose a significant threat to both parents and children will be evaluated by a judge based on their current level of risk.

However, a person may still be allowed to see their children under certain conditions. A court-appointed supervisor may be present for some or all of the visit. Even in cases of domestic violence, the court may want to preserve the possibility of a future relationship between the child and his or her mother or father.

The judge in a child’s custody case may order the parents to attend classes on how to deal with anger or be a good parent. If you find yourself in this situation, you must follow the judge’s instructions to the letter. At some point, you and your family law attorney could demonstrate to the court that you have followed these orders exactly.

Get Help From a Family Lawyer

Whichever position you find yourself in, you may wish to contact a family law attorney at Goldman & Associates Law Firm by contacting (248) 590-6600 or scheduling an appointment through our online form. We are here to address any concerns you may have about domestic violence and your custody status. We have offices located in Troy, Sterling Heights, Bloomfield, Southfield, Novo, Detroit, Livonia, and Grand Rapids. You must act quickly and consult with a family law attorney to safeguard your children and legal rights.