When determining parental rights, courts consider the needs of a child to be of the utmost importance. Child custody is often one of the toughest areas of family law in Michigan and elsewhere, and decisions made during this period are generally considered crucial to the future well-being of a child. Whether seeking sole or joint custody, there may be several aspects to consider during this period that can impact the overall outcome.
Decisions regarding custody might often be left to the discretion of their parents. In many cases, the parents may be able to reach an agreement outside of court dictating a schedule for custody and/or visitation. Although this could be the best result in certain scenarios, it is not always so easily achieved. In the event that parents are unable to reach an arrangement, the decision could fall to the court, which will take numerous factors into consideration when determining child custody.
The aspects involved in such a delicate matter will generally revolve around what is best for the kid/s. The court will often attempt to determine which parent, if either, is the primary caretaker of the children. In some cases, a court will also factor in the child’s preference. Regardless of who makes the final decision regarding custody, these factors are often crucial to the process of reaching an acceptable custody arrangement.
A parent may find that entering negotiations alone can be stressful and intimidating, regardless of the circumstances involved. A parent who is attempting to protect and preserve the future well-being of his or her children will often seek guidance from a family law attorney throughout the process. An attorney can cover every aspect of the process with a client, including Michigan state laws that may apply to the situation, and help him or her pursue the best outcome possible concerning the child custody agreement.
Source: FindLaw, “Custody Considerations: Step-By-Step“, Accessed on May 19, 2017
