Portage Child Custody Lawyer Protecting Your Relationship With Your Children

Child custody issues can be deeply emotional and complex, especially for unmarried parents. As a parent, you want what’s best for your children. Custody disputes, however, often bring up tough questions and decisions. Who gets to make important decisions about their education or health care? How often will you get to see them? Which parent do they get to live with?

Trying to find answers to these questions can be distressing, especially if you don’t see eye-to-eye with your co-parent. I am attorney Joseph Vander Horst, and I believe in resolving these issues with empathy, prioritizing your children’s welfare while respecting every family member’s needs. Having spent more than three decades practicing Michigan’s family law, I know how to provide you with solutions that are practical and appropriate for your specific situation.

Understanding Michigan Child Custody Laws

There are two types of child custody:

• Legal custody: This gives a parent the right to make important decisions about their child’s life, including decisions about their education, health care and religious upbringing.
• Physical custody: This determines where the child lives most of the time and who is responsible for their day-to-day care.

Michigan courts usually favor joint custody, which is when both parents share custody. However, in cases where one parent is unable to provide a safe and stable environment, or there is a history of domestic violence, courts may award sole custody to the other parent.

As your child custody lawyer, I can help you establish a formal arrangement that puts your child’s safety and stability at the forefront.

Addressing Custody Issues For Unmarried Parents

Child custody matters aren’t limited to divorce cases. For unmarried parents, establishing legal rights and responsibilities is equally important. Under Michigan law:

• Unmarried mothers automatically have initial custody rights.
• Fathers must establish paternity before seeking custody or parenting time.
• Once an unmarried father establishes paternity, they have the same rights to seek custody and parenting time as divorced fathers.

Working as a child custody lawyer since 1993, I have extensive experience helping unmarried parents establish clear custody and parenting time arrangements. I can help you find ways to protect your relationship with your children while also providing stability and structure.

Factors That Affect Child Custody In Michigan

Custody evaluations are based on the best interests of the child. The court considers several factors to make this decision, including:

• The emotional bond between the child and each parent
• Each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s physical and emotional needs
• The child’s need for a stable and loving environment
• The moral fitness of each parent
• The mental and physical health of both parents
• The child’s preference, if they are of sufficient age and maturity to express one
• The child’s home, school and community record
• Any history of domestic violence directed against or witnessed by the child

The court evaluates these factors to determine what arrangement would best serve the child’s overall well-being. As your child custody attorney, I will guide you throughout the legal process, protecting you and your children’s rights.

Grounds For Child Custody Modification

A parent can ask to change an existing child custody order in Michigan. To do this, the court must see a significant change in circumstances that makes altering the current arrangement necessary. Here are some common reasons for modifying a custody order.

• The child’s needs have changed significantly, like needing special medical care or educational adjustments
• A parent has moved, changed jobs or can no longer provide a stable environment
• A child is mature enough and has different preferences about where they want to live
• New safety concerns arise, such as domestic violence or substance abuse
• A parent repeatedly disobeys the current custody order, prompting the other parent to seek modification

The parent seeking the modification must provide evidence showing that the change is in the child’s best interests. I can help you gather the necessary documentation and advocate for a modification that best supports you and your child’s needs.

Advocate For Your Child Custody Rights: Call Vander Horst Law Office PC Today

When it comes to your children’s security and well-being, it’s crucial to work with an attorney who has a deep understanding of the Michigan custody system. Let my extensive experience help you and your child get the stability you need.

Schedule a free phone consultation with Vander Horst Law Office PC today. Call my office at 269-348-7109, or use my online form to send your questions and concerns.