The Difference Between Guardianship & Child Custody In Michigan

The Difference Between Guardianship & Child Custody In Michigan

A lot of the time people confuse Guardianship with Child Custody. These two things are not the same and in this blog we will be looking at the difference between Guardianship and Custody in The State of Michigan. There are thousands of guardianship cases filed each year, it is important to be informed about these kinds of things so that you are better prepared for any kind of situation regarding guardianship or child custody. 

Child Custody 

There are two types of custody in Michigan, The first is legal custody and the other is physical custody. Physical custody is when a parent is allowed to have the child live with them by order of the court. Legal custody is when a parent is chosen to make important decisions for the child which includes school choice, health care, licenses, and other important factors that will directly impact the child’s life.

Then there is sole custody and joint custody. Sole custody is when one parent has full responsibility for the child, the other party was not given any parenting time or visitation. Joint legal custody on the other hand is when both parents share equal responsibility and authority over the child. This allows both parents to still raise their children while being divorced.

Guardianship 

Guardianship is often handled through the probate court and is set up where the court allows someone on a temporary basis to have caring control over a minor child. In order to get guardianship in Michigan, you would have to file a petition before the court. Guardianship comes about when an individual needs to take care of another individual, this individual may be a child or an elderly person, basically someone who cannot live on their own and take care of themselves. 

The court will do a few things to determine guardianship; The court will set up a hearing to determine whether or not that person needs a guardian and they will need to determine if you, as the petitioner, are a suitable guardian. If there are multiple family members that are eligible to be the guardian, the court can deny all guardianship if they think unfit and assign its own guardian that the court believes is trustworthy.

What is the Difference? 

With custody one or both parents are in the picture if a child is involved. Custody is when a parent has the right to raise the child and make decisions for them. Custody can be given to either parent if they are fit and the court sees that they are an appropriate choice to raise the child. Guardianship is when anyone close to the family or child wants to take the said child and care for them and raise them. This could be a family member or a friend, this does not involve either of the parents. Typical issues that need guardians appointed are:

  • Elderly persons with medical issues
  • Accident victims
  • Children without parents 
  • Mentally unstable adults

Conclusion 

Knowing the difference between Guardianship and Custody will help you in the long run when it comes to getting your child or loved ones the best possible care. These matters can be stressful and draining so it is important to contact our attorneys immediately if you have any questions about guardianship or custody in The State of Michigan. If you need to file a petition for guardianship or request more information about the process, it is best to speak with Goldman and Associates Law Firm today.

Our attorneys will give you the outcome that you desire, we understand how important this kind of matter is to you. For more information on Guardianship in The State of Michigan watch the videos below and check out the Goldman and Associates YouTube channel for more videos on everything relating to law in Michigan. Make sure to give our attorneys a call if you have any questions about custody in Michigan.

Click the link to schedule a free case evaluation:https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428 

For more information visit: https://www.akivagoldman.com/michigan-legal-blog/michigan-child-custody-lawyer/ 

You can give us a call for a FREE phone consultation at (248) 588-3333

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGq9anyHZew&t=18s 

Resources 

http://akivagoldman.com/ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWp9Yt7PyPQ 

3 Advantages of Joint Legal Custody

When children are involved during a divorce the question comes into mind, what happens to them? Does one parent get sole custody of the child? Will there be an equal amount of parenting time given to both parties? How will these decisions be made? These questions can cause stress and concern. It is important to remember to take your time and not to worry, moments like these can turn into something beneficial for all parties involved.

What is Joint Legal Custody?

Joint legal custody is when both parents share equal responsibility and authority over the child. This allows both parents to still raise their children while being divorced. The court will look at the fitness of either parent, the agreement of both parents, and the best interest of the child and will decide if it will be beneficial for everyone involved. When deciding custody the court will look at 12 factors to see what is in the best interest of the child. Here are the 12 factors that the court will look at when deciding custody:

  • Maintaining the relationships of love and affection shared between parent and child. (Courts assume such relationships are highly beneficial to children)
  • The capability of the parents to provide that love and affection
  • The ability of the parent to provide necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care (obvious factor in a child’s well-being)
  • Maintaining and continuing the stable environment the child has grown up with (including living with siblings)(family courts firmly believe that children need consistency and stability)
  • The court will try its best to keep the child in their current home. This why the court almost always gives the family residence to the custodial parent
  • The moral fitness of either parent (including criminal records or the child knowing that one of the parents had an extramarital affair) (parents set a moral example for their children to follow)
  • The mental and physical wellbeing of the parents (without discriminating against certain disabilities)
  • The child’s school, home,  and  community  records
  • Child’s reasonable preference: if the child is old enough, then the court will conduct an in-person interview, and any reasonable preference will be taken into consideration
  • The willingness of either parent to facilitate the child’s relationship with the other parent (Actions taken to shield a child from domestic violence or sexual assault may not be counted against this factor)
  • Any history of domestic violence

Is There a Presumption of Joint Custody in Michigan? A presumption of joint custody is a rule which states that the court should favor such an arrangement unless it is proven that it would not be in the child’s best interest. In Michigan there is no presumption of joint custody, the court will instead look at the evidence and come to a decision on whether to grant joint legal custody. If both parents can come to an agreement then joint legal custody will be granted but in the instance where one or both parents are unfit, the court will come to another conclusion. Here are three advantages of joint legal custody in The State of Michigan.

  1. Working With Your Ex A divorce happens when a couple’s relationship fails and both parties want to separate. Usually, conversations become heated and every turn is met with disagreement and animosity. When children are involved there is going to be a conversation about who will raise the child. There may be a lot of things you may disagree about with your ex spouse but one thing should be the same for both parties, the well being of your children and making sure they are raised in an environment for them to grow and succeed. This is a way that you can start working with your Ex to reach an agreement on joint legal custody. If this can be done a mutual understanding can be created and the divorce process can go much smoother and a lot less stressful. If the court sees that you and your ex spouse came to an agreement and show your ability to work with one another they will allow joint custody and other benefits will be given.
  2. Child’s Best Interest Joint legal custody allows both parents to see and raise their children 50/50. When both parents are in a child’s life the child’s overall well-being improves significantly. When children grow up they require role models to look up to and gain insight and information from. If a child is attached to both parents and then suddenly stops seeing one of them there will be a major effect on the child’s psychological development. A joint legal custody allows an opportunity for both parents to raise the child and create a relationship with the child. You will have to work with your ex spouse at all times and communicate with them, this is all for the benefit of the child and both parties involved. Creating an environment that the child feels safe and loved in, is the number one priority for both parents and this can be done in joint legal custody. Many studies have shown that when both parents are involved in the child’s life their health, education, and overall life improvement. In joint legal custody, both parents are given the opportunity to give the child the love and affection they need.
  3. You Make the Calls If you want to be involved in your child’s life and be there for the major decisions then joint legal custody is for you. For day-to-day decisions, the parent who is with the child will be able to make decisions and do what they think is best for the child. But for major decisions like medical procedures, education, and vacations both parents will have to talk about it and come to an agreement. This is why it is important to have a mutual understanding with the party and be able to have a conversation to come to an agreement on certain decisions. With joint legal custody, you will be able to raise your child and ensure that they are living a lifestyle that is best for them. You can decide whether the child plays a sport or starts the process of getting a driver’s license. Remember that you will still have to work with your ex spouse and it won’t be easy sometimes but it will always be worth it.

Conclusion

Being there for your children while they grow up will be beneficial for all the parties involved in the matter. Joint legal custody allows both parents to be a part of their child’s life, parenting time is important so to be sure you are being given a fair amount of time to spend with your child call our attorneys at Goldman and Associates today. If you are in the process of a divorce or custody you will need an attorney for the best possible outcome. For more information on joint legal custody in the State of Michigan watch the videos below and check out the Goldman and Associates YouTube channel for more videos on everything relating to law in Michigan. Make sure to give our attorneys a call if you have any questions about custody in Michigan.

Click the link to schedule a free case evaluation:https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428

For more information visit:https://www.akivagoldman.com/michigan-legal-blog/michigan-divorce-lawyer/

You can give us a call for a FREE phone consultation at (248) 588-3333

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yviMAXyDmA

Resources

http://akivagoldman.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGq9anyHZew

Everything You Need To Know About Custody In Michigan

No matter if you are married or not, the majority of parents care and love their children very much. The importance of your children’s safety and well being is probably your number one priority. That is why being informed about child custody in Michigan is important to learn about, so that if you are ever in the situation where you separate with your partner you can take the right steps to have custody of your child. If you need assistance with child custody in The State of Michigan this is the place to be, read more below to learn everything you need to know about custody in Michigan. 

What is Custody? There are two types of custody in Michigan, The first is legal custody and the other is physical custody. Legal custody is when a parent is chosen to make important decisions for the child which includes school choice, health care, licenses, and other important factors that will directly impact the child’s life. Physical custody is the right to have possession and control over the child. In other words, physical custody is who the child lives with the majority of the time. When you move locations so does the child, this is usually given to one parent but can be given to both parents. Physical custody is the main type of custody that parents fight for in a divorce. With custody of your child you can make day to day decisions without consulting with the other party. The only time you would have to speak to the other party is when there are major decisions to be made that would impact the child’s life. 

How Does the Court Decide Custody

When the court is deciding custody and parenting time they will be looking at the best interest for the child and which parent will be the best fit to be the primary caregiver. In most standard divorces, when parents want custody the court will equally divide physical, legal, or both custody of the child. In a situation where a parent is unfit to take care of the child the court will immediately give sole custody to the other parent, and in the instance where both parents are unfit the court will decide the best possible choice for the child whatever that is guardianship, adoption or another option. 

Parenting Time

The process of parenting time occurs after one or the other parent receives sole custody of the child. Custody and parenting time are very different, when a parent has custody they are the main caregiver of the child. Parenting time is when the other parent is allowed to see the child on weekends and holidays. After custody is given the other parent has full rights for legal visitation or parenting time. This right cannot be denied because of unpaid child support or other reasons. Outright denial of parenting time rarely happens in most cases, unless there is a severe problem that might put the child’s well being at risk. The court considers the following factors when deciding how long, how often, and under what circumstances the parenting time will take place:

  • The special needs and circumstances of the child/children (the first priority of the custody issue)
  • Whether the child is an infant (less than 1) and or nursing (makes the mother a more suitable custodial parent). 
  • The probability of abuse or neglect during the visit (weighs against the abusive parent)
  • The likelihood of abuse or neglect as a result of the visit (same as above)
  • How traveling will impact the wellbeing of the child (if both parents live very far apart, the court might disfavor a joint custody arrangement)
  • Whether or not the visiting parent is reasonably likely to be able to exercise parenting time in compliance with the court order (The court will not set up an arrangement if it does not think it will succeed. The last thing the court wants to do is create ongoing examples of rule breaking by their parents 
  • How frequently (if at all) the parent has missed parenting time (Makes a more favorable arrangement less likely for the deficient parent)
  • The danger of one parent concealing or hiding the child from the other parent (the court will not abet kidnapping)
  • Any other factor relevant to the child’s wellbeing

When the parents can come to an agreement on what the parenting time schedule should be, a judge will likely sign off on it every time. Judges understand that it is always going to be in everyone’s best interests, not just the parents, if both parents can agree on a schedule on their own. It makes far more sense for the parties to compromise than for a stranger to make a decision that will have a major impact on all their lives. 

Best Interest 

The court will base parenting time on the best interests of the child. The friend of the court in many jurisdictions provide recommended parenting time schedules on their websites, so it may be beneficial to check that information with the other party to get a good grasp on what reasonable parenting time usually looks like. 

Parenting time schedules usually provide that the noncustodial parent gets their children for overnight stays at least twice a month, and children are usually with each parent on every other holiday. When the parents live far away from one another, parenting time schedules need to be creative to afford reasonable parenting time to the non-custodial parent. Here is a list of what is considered the best interest of the child in The State of Michigan: 

  • Maintaining the relationships of love and affection shared between parent and child. (Courts assume such relationships are highly beneficial to children)
  • The capability of the parents to provide that love and affection
  • The ability of the parent to provide necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care (obvious factor in a child’s well-being)
  • Maintaining and continuing the stable environment the child has grown up with (including living with siblings)(family courts firmly believe that children need consistency and stability)
  • The court will try its best to keep the child in their current home. This why the court almost always gives the family residence to the custodial parent
  • The moral fitness of either parent (including criminal records or the child knowing that one of the parents had an extramarital affair) (parents set a moral example for their children to follow)
  • The mental and physical wellbeing of the parents (without discriminating against certain disabilities)
  • The child’s school, home,  and  community  records
  • Child’s reasonable preference: if the child is old enough, then the court will conduct a n in-person interview, and any reasonable preference will be taken into consideration
  • The willingness of either parent to facilitate the child’s relationship with the other parent (Actions taken to shield a child from domestic violence or sexual assault may not be counted against this factor)
  • Any history of domestic violence

What is Joint Legal Custody? 

Joint legal custody is when both parents share equal responsibility and authority over the child. This allows both parents to still raise their children while being divorced. The court will look at the fitness of either parents, the agreement of both parents, and the best interest of the child and will decide if it will be beneficial for everyone involved. When deciding custody the court will look at 12 factors to see what is in the best interest for the child. Joint legal custody allows both parents to be a part of their child’s life, it is beneficial for the child’s well being and upbringing. Joint legal custody can be achieved by working with the other party to come to a fair and equal decision on how much time both parents will spend with the child. 

Can I Modify the Parenting Time Arrangement?

The court will only modify parenting time if the person seeking the modification can prove with “clear and convincing” evidence that the change is in the best interest of the child. Your attorney should be able to explain to you what that standard entails. The parent seeking modification must also show a “change in circumstances”. The court insists on a change in circumstances before changing the custody arrangement because it considers consistency and stability to be among the core elements of a child’s best interest. There is always an option to modify both parenting time and custody in Michigan. Don’t think just because of your gender or other factors in your life that you can’t get more time with your child. You have rights to see your children and this can be done with the proper attorney. 

Impact of Domestic Violence In a Child Custody Case

The Child Custody Act requires the court to consider domestic violence when determining custody and parenting time. The presence of domestic violence is one of the 12 Best Interest of the Child factors that the court must consider before granting any type of custody determination. The effects of domestic violence can influence multiple factors of the 12 Best Interest of the Child test, and must be demonstrated through documentary evidence and testimony, sometimes expert testimony. A few factors that judges in Michigan consider when determining child custody may be if either parent has been physically or mentally abusive or if there has been a history of criminal records. 

In a determination of joint custody, the court weighs whether the parents will be able to cooperate and generally agree concerning important decisions affecting the welfare of the child. If the situation contains domestic violence or abuse, with all of the acts of intimidation and unequal power by the abuser, there cannot be a true agreement between the parents. The court may find, because of this, that joint custody is not in the best interest of the child. 

Child Custody for Unmarried Parents in Michigan 

When talking about custody for an unmarried couple the general rule of thumb is that the mother of the child gets full custody of the child. Because there was never a marriage and no divorce is in play there’s only so much that can be done. In most cases the court will give full custody to the mother of the child but that is not always the case in some situations. Most people think because they are the father they cannot get custody of the child, this is incorrect. The court does not only look at gender but rather the best interest for the child, if the father is a better fit to parent then he can file a case to the court and get sole custody. A father can also file for both joint custody or shared custody in Michigan. The best option for both the couple and the child is to come to an agreement so that both parents can have equal time with the child. If this cannot be accomplished, contact a lawyer so you can start the process of getting custody. 

How Does the Court Enforce Court Order? 

When a court order is created for custody or parenting time, it is officially set in place and is recognized by The State of Michigan. The court takes these matters seriously, if your Ex continues to not follow the rules set in place then immediately go to court and file the motion and prove the other party is denying you the child. Divorce is hard enough for a child without their parents breaking the rules, arguing in front of them, or even outright kidnapping them. When custody orders are violated, the court may bring contempt proceedings or habeas corpus proceedings. 

Contempt proceedings are the most common enforcement tool. It typically involves the custodial parent bringing a contempt case against the other spouse. If they succeed, they could be awarded full custody, reduce the other parent’s visitation rights, impose supervision on future parenting time, or even expose the other parent to criminal charges (criminal contempt). A habeas corpus proceeding is only used to restore immediate custody to the custodial parent or guardian in the event of a wrongful taking or detention by another person. It cannot be used to impose any of the other consequences associated with civil or criminal contempt. Furthermore, under Michigan law, the court is not required to grant a writ of habeas corpus if the one who took the child was also a legal parent or guardian. When you file a motion for habeas corpus, explain who you are, who your child is, and your grounds for concluding that the child  was wrongfully taken. If things ever get out of hand do not hesitate to call the police, again you have rights when it comes to custody and parenting time. 

Conclusion

Being there for your children as they grow up is important, no matter what situation you are in there are always options for you to be a part of your child’s life. Divorces can get complicated and messy, it may be even harder for the child when the two people that they care about the most separate. Being informed about child custody and parenting time is important to assist you in the long run so you can have a solid relationship with your child. A key factor to remember is that when the court is deciding custody and roles they will be looking at the best interest for the child, and what will be the best option for the child’s wellbeing. 

If you have any questions regarding Child Custody or Parenting Time in Michigan contact Goldman and Associates today for a free phone consultation. Our attorneys will give you the outcome that you desire, we understand how important this kind of matter is to you. For more information on custody in The State of Michigan watch the videos below and check out the Goldman and Associates YouTube channel for more videos on everything relating to law in Michigan. Make sure to give our attorneys a call if you have any questions about custody in Michigan. 

Click the link to schedule a free case evaluation:https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428 

For more information visit: https://www.akivagoldman.com/michigan-legal-blog/michigan-child-custody-lawyer/ 

You can give us a call for a FREE phone consultation at (248) 588-3333

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGq9anyHZew&t=18s 

Resources 

http://akivagoldman.com/ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEsIzm9Nlak

Child Custody During Memorial Day [Video]


Child Custody During Memorial Day – (248) 588-3333

As Memorial day comes up the big questions arise regarding custody and parenting time. I have alternating weekends but it’s my weekend but the other person’s memorial day weekend what am I supposed to do? Conflicts and disagreements like this happen all the time, the best thing to do is look at the holiday schedule. In the majority of cases the parent with the holiday weekend will always get the parenting time. This may seem unfair because you lose two weekends in a row but in reality later on in the year this will even out and you will get the same amount of parenting time. If you have questions about this, reach out to our office today for a complimentary phone consultation!

Click the link to schedule a free case evaluation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428
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For more information visit: https://www.akivagoldman.com/michigan-legal-blog/michigan-child-custody-lawyer/

You can give us a call for a FREE phone consultation at (248) 588-3333

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Are There Any Differences In A Same-Sex Divorce? [Video]


Are There Any Differences In A Same-Sex Divorce? – (248) 588-3333

Is a same-sex divorce difference from any other divorce? Is there something you should be informed about before you file for divorce? The court has made it so that there are virtually no difference between a standard divorce and a same-sex divorce. Same-sex marriages are the exact same as other marriages so when it comes to divorces it will also be the same. If a same-sex divorce was any different from other divorces then it would be going against the constitutional rights that the court is trying to protect. Every legal issue will be handled the same no matter who is in court. If you have questions about this, reach out to our office today for a complimentary phone consultation!

Click the link to schedule a free case evaluation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428
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For more information visit: https://www.akivagoldman.com/michigan-divorce-lawyer

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Why Akiva Goldman Chose Family Law [Video]


Why Akiva Goldman Chose Family Law – (248) 588-3333

Why did Akiva Goldman devote his life to family law? Why is Goldman and Associates the best law firm in Michigan? At the beginning of Akiva Goldman’s career he focused mainly on common cases like injury, criminal and so on. As the years progressed Akiva Goldman moved more towards family law because family law allows a skilled attorney to impact and help families that they can meet with and connect with. Family law gives attorneys to help the lives of children and families that are seen in everyone’s day to day life. Saving children from toxic environments is something that Goldman and Associates Law Firm focus on. Making a positive impact on families in Michigan is what Goldman and Associates Law Firm does best. If you have questions about this, reach out to our office today for a complimentary phone consultation!

Click the link to schedule a free case evaluation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428
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What You Should Know About The Division Of Assets In A Same-Sex Divorce [Video]


What You Should Know About The Division Of Assets In A Same-Sex Divorce – (248) 588-3333

Same-sex marriage as it relates to the division of assets. When we allow a broader base to get married then there will be a broader base that will be getting divorced. So how do we handle the division of assets with respect to same-sex marriage, is it handled any differently? In most cases there really is no difference when it comes to the division of assets in a same-sex marriage. The court will look at fault factors and other elements to determine property division. The court is always in favor of equity in a division of property and assets. The court listens to both parties to make the right decision to determine who gets what. No matter what kind of marriage you are currently in, when the court is making a decision for the division of assets they will be looking for a fair and equal resolution. If you have questions about this, reach out to our office today for a complimentary phone consultation!

Click the link to schedule a free case evaluation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428
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For more information visit: https://www.akivagoldman.com/michigan-legal-blog/michigan-child-custody-lawyer/

You can give us a call for a FREE phone consultation at (248) 588-3333

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When Is a Parent Unfit for Custody

There are times when a couple is separated, and one of the parents is unfit to care for the child. An unfit parent is defined as someone who is unable to provide the proper care and guidance a child needs in a home. When an unfit parent raises a child it creates an unstable environment that hinders the child’s life and well-being. If your ex-spouse is misbehaving and seems unfit to take care of your child, keep reading to learn about the steps you need to take to get the support your child needs. 

When Is a Parent Unfit for Custody?

A parent is unfit for custody when they are engaged in illegal activity, if they are breaking the law then they will be seen unfit for custody by the court. If there is a history of criminal activity whether it’s drug use, speeding, or other illicit activity. Then it would show the judge that the parent cannot take responsibility for being a caregiver. 

The court might limit visitation by ordering that all visits be supervised. However, outright denial of parenting time is extremely rare. That being said, the court might also decide to reduce the amount of parenting time depending on the circumstances, and if doing so is deemed to be in the best interest of the child. If it involves a serious case like domestic violence or sexual assault the other party will be taken to jail and you will be given full custody of the child. Here are some things that can be considered as being an unfit parent:

  • Verbal abuse 
  • Illegal activity
  • Domestic Violence 
  • The pattern of repeated behavior that shows a lack of responsibility 
  • History of destructive activity 

Is “best interest” Considered at all When Deciding to Modify Child Custody?

When the court is deciding to modify child custody they will be looking at 12 factors of the child’s best interest. Do not allow the varied terminology to trick you into thinking that the best interest standard is abandoned when seeking modification of the child custody arrangement. Unlike the modification of spousal support, the court uses more specific rules and standards when dealing with child custody. Understanding these factors will give you a better gauge on whether your ex-spouse is an unfit parent or not. 

Any change of circumstance being used to justify a change in custody must be directly related to the child’s best interest and well-being. Examples of such a change might be drug abuse, violence, or neglect by the current custodial parent. Furthermore, the court will explicitly reject the use of certain changes in circumstances such as: 

  • The current custodial parent’s financial situation, if the problem could be rectified by increasing the noncustodial parent’s child support payments 
  • The normal changes in needs and desires associated with a child growing up and maturing 
  • The child’s expressed a desire (relevant to initial custody, but is not considered relevant when it changes)

My ex-spouse has physical custody and wants to leave the state and take the children far away. Is there anything I can do to stop him/her?

If the parent with physical custody wants to relocate out of state or more than 100 miles from their other parent, they need to get court approval first. While you (the non -custodial parent) cannot outright stop them from moving, the Michigan family courts will do their best to make sure that the move is actually in the children’s best interest. The court uses a five-prong test to make this determination:  

  • Whether the move will improve the quality of life for both the moving parent and the child 
  • Whether the move was explicitly intended to interfere with the other parent’s access to the children (in which case permission will likely be denied) 
  • Whether the court will be able to modify the parenting time arrangement in order to preserve the relationship with the other parent, as well as the likelihood of both parents complying with the new arrangement (not necessarily a deal breaker). 
  • Whether the other parent (i.e. you) is trying to oppose the move for the sole purpose of gaining an advantage regarding child support payments 
  • Any history of domestic violence seen by or directed against the children 

Please note that this test will not be applied at all if you (the non -custodial parent) do not have legal custody of the children (i.e. not joint custody). It should be noted that where there is no joint custody, there is no need to give the non-custodial parent notice, ask permission, nor will the court consider the above factors in order to decide whether or not to allow the move.

Here are some tips for separated couples taking care of a child. It’s important to be informed on how to co-parent and work with the other party when taking care of a child:

  • Minimize the exposure of your children to fighting between you and your former spouse Resolve any conflicts without actively involving your children or using them as bargaining chips 
  • Do not disparage or insult your former spouse (the other parent) in front of your children 
  • Try to keep activities and discipline consistent in your household regardless of the upheaval being experienced by the whole family 
  • Don’t try to micromanage your kids’ activities with their other parents. 
  • Try to be civil and willing to communicate with the other parent

If you believe that your ex-spouse is an unfit parent for your child, contact our attorneys at Goldman and Associates now. They will be able to handle your case and make sure your child is in the right hands. There are many factors when it comes to modifying child support but there is always a way to get a more fair outcome. These types of cases require a professional to help guide you and direct you to a place to get the best outcome that you desire. If you need more information regarding child custody in The State of Michigan contact Goldman and Associates Law Firm. At Goldman and Associates, our attorneys are experts in family law and they will thoroughly examine all aspects of your custody matter. With the best lawyers in Michigan, Goldman and Associates takes each and every case very seriously and gives you the best outcome you desire. 

For more information on custody in the State of Michigan watch the videos below. Also, check out the Goldman and Associates YouTube channel for more videos on everything relating to law in Michigan. Make sure to give our attorneys a call if you have any questions about custody in Michigan. 

Click the link to schedule a free case evaluation:https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428 

For more information visit:https://www.akivagoldman.com/michigan-legal-blog/michigan-divorce-lawyer/

You can give us a call for a FREE phone consultation at (248) 588-3333

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGq9anyHZew 

Resources 

http://akivagoldman.com/ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGq9anyHZew 

How Child Custody Works In A Same-Sex Divorce [Video]


How Child Custody Works In A Same-Sex Divorce – (248) 588-3333

Today we will be talking about child custody in same-sex divorces. In a same-sex marriage the child is either born naturally or adopted, so what happens when a divorce occurs. The legislators were very wise in making their decision of custody based on best interest and not gender. If things were gender based then there would be a problem with a same-sex couple getting custody. Good news is that Michigan uses 12 guidelines that determine the best interest for the child. The court will be focusing on the child’s best interest rather than gender, every divorce will follow the same standard procedures when it comes to child custody in The State of Michigan. If you have questions about this, reach out to our office today for a complimentary phone consultation!

Click the link to schedule a free case evaluation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428
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For more information visit: https://www.akivagoldman.com/michigan-legal-blog/michigan-child-custody-lawyer/

You can give us a call for a FREE phone consultation at (248) 588-3333

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Can I Get An Affidavit Of Parentage Overturned? [Video]


Can I Get An Affidavit Of Parentage Overturned? – (248) 588-3333

Goldman and Associates handles plenty of paternity issues. One of the issues that come up is when someone calls in and says that they are the actual parent of a child that someone has already filed an affidavit for. So what do you do if you are the real biological parent? To revoke someone’s paternity there is a limited time space to do so. If you want to file a petition to revoke a paternity you only have the chance to do so until the child turns 3, there are some exceptions depending on your case. This can be a complicated process that may take a lot of time and money. Contact out attorneys to handle your case to get the best outcome possible. If you have any questions about this, reach out to our office today for a complimentary phone consultation!

Click the link to schedule a free case evaluation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428
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For more information visit: https://www.akivagoldman.com/michigan-legal-blog/michigan-child-custody-lawyer/

You can give us a call for a FREE phone consultation at (248) 588-3333

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