Child Custody Attorney in Plymouth, Michigan
Child custody and parenting time concerns are some of the most sensitive matters a parent will encounter. It’s incredibly difficult to think about giving up time with your children, which can make it challenging to make unbiased decisions.
I am child custody attorney, Sarah Dinsmore Riggs. I founded the Law Office of Sarah Dinsmore Riggs, PLLC, in Plymouth to help families in Michigan navigate legal challenges in family law and divorce, including child custody and parenting time.
Compassionate Guidance: Parenting Time In Michigan
In the state of Michigan, when two parents get divorced or are no longer living together, custody and parenting time will need to be determined. Custody and parenting time will always be decided based on what is in the best interests of the child. It is usually assumed that time with both parents is in the child’s best interests. Parenting time, previously referred to as visitation, defines the child’s schedule with each parent. When a parent is awarded parenting time, this typically means that the parent is responsible for:
- Taking the child back and forth to school
- Taking the child to extracurricular activities during the school year and during summer break, including summer camps and sporting activities
- Picking the child up from school when they are sick or handling childcare when the child has to stay home from school
Often, parenting time schedules are negotiated during mediation. Parents commonly include a clause that gives each parent the right of first refusal for parenting time. In this case, if one parent is unable to fulfill their parenting time duties and must seek childcare, they must offer the other parent the right to take over their parenting time responsibilities.
Helping To Answer Your Child Custody Questions
I know and understand that if you are navigating a divorce or any other family law-related matter that involves child custody and parenting time, you probably have a lot of questions.
I am here to help you answer all of those questions so that you feel confident in making the right decisions for your family. Here, I answer a few of the questions that I am commonly asked. If you still have questions, I invite you to schedule a free initial consultation, and we can talk about your specific situation.
How is child custody determined?
In the state of Michigan, if the parents cannot reach an agreement regarding custody on their own, the judge will make a decision based on what is in the best interests of the child. There are 12 factors that a judge will use to determine what is in the best interests of the child. These include:
- The emotional bond a child has with each of their parents
- Each parent’s ability to dedicate themselves to maintaining consistency and stability for the child
- Each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s basic needs and
- Each parent’s capacity for encouraging the child’s relationship with the other parent and avoiding parental alienation
- Domestic violence and emotional abuse
A judge has the ability to consider any factor that relates to a child’s best interests. The judge will also consider the child’s wishes. The older the child is, the more weight this is likely to have.
What is legal custody?
Legal custody grants a parent the authority to make important decisions for the child. These decisions include medical care, education and religious decisions on behalf of the child.
Are court orders permanent?
Like anything in life, change is constant. When a family is navigating a divorce or child custody issue, the decisions are made based on the facts and circumstances at the time. But life evolves and changes, meaning that sometimes court orders need to change.
Under certain circumstances, a parent can seek a modification of an existing court order. As an experienced child custody lawyer, I can help you evaluate whether your circumstances meet the criteria needed to ask for a modification.
Can I move out of state after I get divorced?
It is natural for parents to seek new opportunities after they start fresh after a divorce. Sometimes, this involves moving to take advantage of a job opportunity or a new relationship. If a move is significant (more than 100 miles away or out of state), it will require court approval. As an experienced child custody attorney, I can help you evaluate your proposed move, further explain your options and help you file the required petition and necessary paperwork.
Consult A Plymouth Parenting Time Lawyer For Free
I offer free, confidential initial consultations. This is a great opportunity to discuss your specific situation and get your questions answered by an experienced child custody attorney. To schedule your free appointment, call me at 734-335-8949. You can also email me through my online contact form.