[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/michigan-family-lawyer\/custody\/best-interests-of-the-child\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/michigan-family-lawyer\/custody\/best-interests-of-the-child\/","headline":"Best Interests of the Child","name":"Best Interests of the Child","description":"If you\u2019re going through a divorce in Michigan, you may wonder about the phrase \u201cbest interests of the child.\u201d What does the phrase mean, and how can it affect your child custody dispute with your former spouse or partner? Michigan courts consider 12 factors when assessing a child\u2019s best interests in custody matters. The Michigan […]","datePublished":"2025-05-15","dateModified":"2026-01-19","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/author\/kraayeveld\/#Person","name":"Kraayeveld Family Law","url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/author\/kraayeveld\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/179f6a26e32050a6162fd3fcdca95850b748564b8835d594d7a995415f30e730?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/179f6a26e32050a6162fd3fcdca95850b748564b8835d594d7a995415f30e730?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Kraayeveld Family Law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Kraayeveld-Logo.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Kraayeveld-Logo.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/best-interests-of-the-child-factors-in-michigan-family-court.png","url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/best-interests-of-the-child-factors-in-michigan-family-court.png","height":360,"width":930},"url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/michigan-family-lawyer\/custody\/best-interests-of-the-child\/","video":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Fc7qCNlccwg#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Fc7qCNlccwg","name":"How Courts Really Decide Child Custody Cases","description":"If you have a child custody fight on your hands, it's time to learn as much as possible as quickly as possible.  Attorney Jim Kraayeveld explains the basics and pitfalls of a custody dispute in Michigan #kraayeveldlaw #childcustody,\n\nFor more information, visit us online https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/ today.\n\nSocial Link:\nFacebook:https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kraayeveldlaw\/\nTwitter:https:\/\/twitter.com\/kraayeveldlaw \nInstagram:https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kraayeveldlaw\/\n\nVideo Playlist:\nThe World of Appeals Video: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c7vdtw-GEo8\nCan You Do This WIthout an Attorney: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XEKH9ad_Yco\nHow to Survive the FOC: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dZQjI2d4FeMUnraveling the Chaos: Navigating Co-Parenting Conflict during Kids' Activities: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=G3L_y-ih6tg, \n\nChild Custody 101","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/Fc7qCNlccwg\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/Fc7qCNlccwg\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/Fc7qCNlccwg\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/Fc7qCNlccwg\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/Fc7qCNlccwg\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2023-01-06T18:59:05+00:00","duration":"PT9M37S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Fc7qCNlccwg","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCIFBq8W6k05pXgw0k98DZPQ#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCIFBq8W6k05pXgw0k98DZPQ","name":"Kraayeveld Family Law","description":"\nGrand Rapids family law attorneys helping clients with divorce and child custody disputes in West Michigan.\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/0ucpS3xzwE2Lhnwtcd7eoF0oLwq7VmOIYlMbRuDAMZJdnz1G6W69BDWIvkGPEEHYXHzsdvPDLg=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Fc7qCNlccwg#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Fc7qCNlccwg#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Fc7qCNlccwg&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Fc7qCNlccwg#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":195}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Fc7qCNlccwg#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":2}]},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c7vdtw-GEo8#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c7vdtw-GEo8","name":"How Appeals Really Work: The Hidden Legal Journey","description":"Should you appeal the judge's decision? Do you have to respond to an appeal? Michigan family law attorney Jim Kraayeveld explains the cost of an appeal, the process of an appeal, and what to expect.  #kraayeveldlaw #divorce #appealprocess \n\nFind more information on the appellate process at https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/ today!\n\nSocial Link:\nFacebook:https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kraayeveldlaw\/\nTwitter:https:\/\/twitter.com\/kraayeveldlaw \nInstagram:https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kraayeveldlaw\/\n\nVideo Playlist:\nCan You Do This WIthout an Attorney: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XEKH9ad_Yco\nWhy Should You Attend Mediation: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=5_lB97zc-Vs\nWhat to Do When You Have a Bad Attorney: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PSl215WQXNo\" How to Win a Parental Alienation Case \": https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ZViQkAlfnVw","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/c7vdtw-GEo8\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/c7vdtw-GEo8\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/c7vdtw-GEo8\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/c7vdtw-GEo8\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/c7vdtw-GEo8\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2023-01-06T19:10:11+00:00","duration":"PT4M46S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/c7vdtw-GEo8","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCIFBq8W6k05pXgw0k98DZPQ#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCIFBq8W6k05pXgw0k98DZPQ","name":"Kraayeveld Family Law","description":"\nGrand Rapids family law attorneys helping clients with divorce and child custody disputes in West Michigan.\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/0ucpS3xzwE2Lhnwtcd7eoF0oLwq7VmOIYlMbRuDAMZJdnz1G6W69BDWIvkGPEEHYXHzsdvPDLg=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c7vdtw-GEo8#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c7vdtw-GEo8#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c7vdtw-GEo8&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c7vdtw-GEo8#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":71}]]},null,{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=G3L_y-ih6tg#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=G3L_y-ih6tg","name":"Stop Co-Parenting Drama at Your Kid's Events","description":"Navigate on some practical tips to handle situations smoothly. #kidsactivities #extracurricularactivities #parentingconflict #custody #divorce co-parenting conflict,\n\nLearn more by visiting us online at https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/ today!\n\nSocial Link:\nFacebook:https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kraayeveldlaw\/\nTwitter:https:\/\/twitter.com\/kraayeveldlaw \nInstagram:https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kraayeveldlaw\/\n\nVideo Playlist:\nHandling Extracurricular Activities During Summer Parenting Time: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ay166PkXyjw\nFrom Diverging Paths to Clashing Beliefs: When Co-Parents'  Different Religions Collide: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uR9Wwdo7LiM\nParenting with Purpose: Mastering the Art of Prioritization: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=rDAozDDUwpQHow to Win a Parental Alienation Case: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ZViQkAlfnVw","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/G3L_y-ih6tg\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/G3L_y-ih6tg\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/G3L_y-ih6tg\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/G3L_y-ih6tg\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/G3L_y-ih6tg\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2023-07-07T15:02:34+00:00","duration":"PT5M35S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/G3L_y-ih6tg","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCIFBq8W6k05pXgw0k98DZPQ#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCIFBq8W6k05pXgw0k98DZPQ","name":"Kraayeveld Family Law","description":"\nGrand Rapids family law attorneys helping clients with divorce and child custody disputes in West Michigan.\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/0ucpS3xzwE2Lhnwtcd7eoF0oLwq7VmOIYlMbRuDAMZJdnz1G6W69BDWIvkGPEEHYXHzsdvPDLg=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=G3L_y-ih6tg#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=G3L_y-ih6tg#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=G3L_y-ih6tg&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=G3L_y-ih6tg#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":60}]]}]},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/michigan-family-lawyer\/custody\/best-interests-of-the-child\/#BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Michigan Family Law","item":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/michigan-family-lawyer\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Child Custody","item":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/michigan-family-lawyer\/custody\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Best Interests of the Child","item":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/michigan-family-lawyer\/custody\/best-interests-of-the-child\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]