In child custody disputes in Michigan, the court's decision is generally guided by one principle: the "best interests of the child." Under the Michigan Child Custody Act, judges must evaluate 12 specific factors before issuing an order. The 12 best interest factors...
When parents in Michigan divorce, they typically share custody afterward. They need to see each other frequently to exchange custody and communicate regularly about their children. Sometimes, one spouse plans to move on, which may require moving away from the...
Parents who divorce or stop living together generally have to negotiate custody arrangements. They usually have the authority to set their own terms and submit them to the courts for approval. If they cannot settle terms with one another, then the matter goes to...
When going through a divorce, one of the most important things for parents to decide is where their child is going to live. Some parents will mutually agree to share custody rights, and things may be fairly straightforward. But other parents may have conflicting...
As the holiday season approaches, it is important for co-parents to consider how their parenting plan might change at this time. It is usually best to make a plan in advance. Often, the parenting plan can be written in such a way that the holidays have their own...
In the years after your divorce, it is certainly possible that you may decide that it is time to relocate. Maybe you just need a change of scenery. Maybe you have always wanted to move, but your spouse did not, so you stayed with them until the marriage ended. This...
When you end a relationship with someone you share children with, everything changes. You and your ex must learn how to navigate a romance-free relationship that now centers solely around the children. Living as co-parents comes with challenges, but having a plan for...
Are you planning a late summer trip with your child before they go back to school that involves traveling farther than your custody agreement allows without your co-parent’s written consent. If so, it’s smart to get that consent before you make reservations. This can...
If you are a parent of minor children who is thinking of divorcing, you may have heard all sorts of things about how courts decide custody. As with anything, it can sometimes be challenging to separate fact from fiction, and not all that you hear or see will be...
Child custody agreements are generally flexible and up for negotiation as your child grows. Perhaps your child’s needs have changed, or maybe you and your ex-partner's schedules have shifted drastically. In such cases, your initial custody agreement may no longer...