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We Provide Results-Driven Representation in Custody Cases in Holland, Michigan

At Kraayeveld Family Law, our Holland, MI child custody lawyers are skilled, compassionate, and solutions-focused advocates for parents. With the experience needed to take on the full range of child custody and visitation cases, we are ready to put forward the time and resources needed to get results. Contact our Michigan child custody attorneys today for a fully confidential consultation. 

What Does Child Custody Mean in Michigan?

If you are a parent of minor children who is going through a divorce or separation in Holland, it is crucial that you understand how to navigate the child custody process. Broadly defined, child custody is the legal arrangement for the care and control of a child following a divorce or separation of parents. Here are three vital things to understand about custody in Michigan: 

  • Custody Refers to Legal and Physical: There are two forms of child custody in Michigan: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody is best understood as parental decision-making authority. In contrast, physical custody is best understood as where the child spends their time, especially overnight. These responsibilities can be separated. 
  • All Disputes are Resolved in the Child’s Best Interests: Michigan uses the best interests of the child standard. In evaluating child custody cases, a court will consider various factors when determining the best custody arrangement for a child. What is best for a child’s health, their emotional well-being, and their social development matters. 

Understanding the Best Interests of Child Standard

Understanding the best interests of the child is essential for anyone involved in a child custody case in Michigan. It is a core principle that guides the court in making decisions about child custody, visitation. The standard requires the court to consider the overall well-being of the child and prioritize their needs above those of the parents. Here are some notable best interests of the child factors as listed in the state statute (MCL § 722.23): 

  • The love and emotional ties between the child and each parent; 
  • The parental capacity of each parent; 
  • The ability of each parent to provide food, shelter, clothing, and care; 
  • The permanence of each parent’s living arrangement (stability); 
  • The moral fitness of the parents; 
  • The reasonable preference of the child (if age appropriate);
  • The willingness of each parent to cooperate; and
  • Any history of abuse, neglect, or misconduct by the parties; and
  • Any factor deemed to be relevant to protect the health and safety of the child.  

Aggressive Custody Lawyers Who are Always Ready to Litigate 

Your parental rights matter. There is nothing that should stand in the way of your relationship with your children. As experienced child custody attorneys in Holland, MI, we understand the sensitive and emotional nature of these disputes and are committed to providing our clients with aggressive and effective representation. Our team is made up of experienced family lawyers who are always ready to litigate and fight for the best possible outcome for your case. We strongly believe that every parent has the right to ensure that they have the best relationship with their children. Our Holland, MI child custody lawyers will work tirelessly to protect your interests.

How Our Michigan Child Custody Attorneys Can Help

For parents of young children and teenagers, a divorce or separation can be uniquely challenging. At Kraayeveld Family Law, we have deep experience helping parents and families navigate complex custody and visitation cases. Your rights matter. When you contact our family law firm, you will be able to connect with a Holland child custody attorney who is ready to: 

  • Hear your story and answer your questions about Michigan law; 
  • Gather the evidence and information needed to support your case;
  • Handle all of the legal paperwork associated with a custody case; 
  • Represent you in any negotiations with your co-parent; and
  • Take immediate action to protect your parental rights and your child. ; 

Contact Our Holland, MI Child Custody Lawyer Today

At Kraayeveld Family Law, our Holland child custody attorneys are compassionate, experienced, and solutions-centered advocates for parents. If you have any questions about a child custody dispute or child visitation dispute, we are here as a legal resource. Contact us right away for a strictly private, no strings attached consultation. We provide child custody representation in Holland, Ottawa County, and throughout the wider region.