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Going Through a Custody Battle in Caledonia? We are Ready to Fight to Protect Your Rights
At Kraayeveld Family Law, our child custody attorneys in Caledonia are experienced and reliable advocates for clients. As a family law firm that puts an emphasis on tenacious representation, we are always ready to fight to protect the rights of parents in Kent County. Are you locked in a child custody dispute? Our team can help. Contact us today for your fully confidential, no obligation consultation with an experienced Caledonia, MI child custody lawyer.
Understanding the Differences Between Physical and Legal Custody
In Michigan, the concept of “child custody” can be broken into two broad categories: 1) Legal Custody and 2) Physical Custody. Here is what you need to know about our state’s definitions:
- Legal Custody: Legal custody is about who has the authority to make major decisions concerning the child’s upbringing and welfare.
- Physical Custody: On the other hand, physical custody refers to where the child will live. The parent who has physical custody is responsible for the day-to-day care of the child.
Parents can share custody or one parent may be awarded sole custody. Notably, it is possible for a parent to be granted sole physical custody even if legal custody is split.
What to Know About the Best Interests of the Child in Michigan
Not unlike most other jurisdictions, Michigan is in the best interests of the child state. Under Michigan law (MCL § 722.23), courts are required to make a determination regarding child custody or child visitation with the best interests of the child in mind. What is best for the child always takes the top priority in these cases. As a parent involved in a high conflict custody or visitation dispute in Caledonia or elsewhere in West Michigan, it is crucial that you are able to prove that you can provide a great environment for your kid(s). Michigan law provides eleven best interest factors that the court will review when determining child custody. Some examples of those factors are:
- Emotional Ties: The love, affection, and emotional bonds between the child and each parent will be relevant to a child custody dispute.
- Ability to Provide a Stable Home Environment: The capacity of the parties involved to give the child love, affection, and guidance.
- The Permanency of the Family Unit: A parent’s permanency regarding other relationships and other children.
- The home, school, and community record of the child. The child’s school records, home life, and community involvement of the child.
- Mental and Physical Health of the Parent (and the Child): The mental and physical health of all individuals involved are relevant factors.
- Child’s Preference: The reasonable preference of the child, if the court considers the child to be of sufficient age to express preference. In Michigan, a child’s preference typically only gets significant weight if they are 12 years of age or older.
- Domestic Violence or Other Misconduct: The court will consider any evidence of domestic violence, irrespective of whether the violence was directed against or witnessed by the child.
We Fight to Protect the Parental Rights of Our Clients in Caledonia
We understand that no parent wants to be locked into a fight over child custody. At the same time, our team also knows that your parental rights—and even more importantly, the health and safety of your children—should never take a backseat. One of the primary things that makes Kraayeveld Law Offices different is that we truly go above and beyond to ensure that parents receive tenacious, personalized family law representation in child custody cases and child visitation cases. We bring our extensive experience and deep knowledge of Michigan custody laws to every case we take on.
How Our Michigan Child Custody Attorney Can Help Parents in Caledonia
As a parent in Kent County, nothing should come between you and your relationship with your children. Whether it is part of a divorce, separation, or any other situation, navigating a child custody battle can be stressful and frustrating. At Kraayeveld Family Law, we fight tirelessly to protect the rights of parents. Our firm is proactive. Among other things, our Caledonia child custody lawyers are prepared to:
- Listen to what you have to say and answer your family law questions;
- Investigate the matter and gathering supporting documentation; and
- Develop a personalized strategy focused on protecting your parental rights and your kids.
Contact Our Caledonia, MI Child Custody Lawyer Today
At Kraayeveld Family Law, our Caledonia child custody attorneys are skilled, compassionate, and tenacious advocates for parents. Are you in the middle of a child custody battle? We will fight to protect your rights. Contact us right away to arrange your strictly private, no obligation initial legal consultation. Our firm handles child custody cases in Caledonia and throughout Kent County.