Divorce can become a far more complicated, emotional process when children are involved, especially when there is a custody dispute.
Michigan custody laws emphasize that custody decisions must serve the child’s best interests before all else. Courts generally favor joint custody arrangements, but the outcome of each case can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances.
There are two forms of joint custody in Michigan:
- Joint legal custody – When you have joint legal custody in Michigan, it means that both parents share decision-making authority on major issues, such as education, medical care, and religious upbringing.
- Joint physical custody – When the child spends significant time living with each parent. That does not always mean a precise 50/50 split, but rather an arrangement that ensures the child spends substantial time with both parents.
When determining a custody arrangement, courts consider the child’s emotional ties to each parent, the parents’ ability to work together, the stability of each home environment, and the child’s unique needs to determine a situation that ensures the child’s safety and promotes their success.
How Does Child Support Work in Michigan Joint Custody Arrangements?
Contrary to common belief, equal parenting time does not necessarily eliminate the need for child support.
Michigan calculates support using the Michigan Child Support Formula, which factors in:
- Each parent’s income
- The number of overnights spent with each parent
- Health insurance costs
- Childcare costs
If one parent’s income is significantly higher, they may be ordered to pay child support even with a joint custody arrangement in place.
What Are the Most Common Joint Custody Schedules in Michigan?
Courts and parents use a variety of schedules to make joint physical custody work as smoothly as possible.
Some common schedules include:
- Week on, week off – The child alternates living with each parent every other week. The schedule offers extended time with each parent and less time switching homes, but also means longer periods without seeing your child.
- 2-2-3 schedule – The child spends two days with one parent, two days with the other, then three days with the first, alternating weekly. The schedule allows you to see your child frequently, but requires a lot of switching.
- 3-4-4-3 schedule – The child spends three days with one parent and four with the other, then four with the first parent and three with the other. The schedule offers a nice balance, but one parent always has the early week and the other always has the weekend.
What Are the Disadvantages of 50/50 Custody?
While a 50/50 split can work well for some families, it is not always practical.
Some common challenges include:
- Frequent transitions that can disrupt the child’s routine
- Significant transportation and scheduling demands
- Greater need for cooperation between parents
Because of these challenges, courts often prefer flexible arrangements over 50/50 or sole physical custody in Michigan.
Get Help from Our Michigan Child Custody Attorneys Now
If you are currently facing a complicated custody dispute in Michigan, you do not have to face it alone. The family law attorneys at Kraayeveld Family Law stand ready to fight to protect your rights and secure a bright future for your family.
Contact us today or call us 24/7 at (616) 383-2679 to set up a consultation with an experienced Michigan child custody lawyer at our law firm.
