While no one anticipates having their marriage break up, the fact of the matter remains, for thousands of couples in Michigan each year, it happens. When there are children involved, the issue of diverse becomes even more complex and issues such as paternity and custody come to the forefront.

Like other types of law, laws regarding families including paternity, divorce and custody, vary from state to state and navigating the laws can be difficult, which is why finding a custody lawyer to help you is imperative.

In Michigan, judges can order different custody arrangements including:

1. 1. Sole Custody – Can be described as when primary physical custody and legal custody are given to one parent. Physical custody is defined as one parent providing most of the day to day care while legal custody is when the parent is responsible for making the major decisions regarding the upbringing of the child.

1. 1. Joint Custody – This is form of custody must be agreed upon by both parents which the court will decide. A judge will hear information considered pertinent to the case when deciding how long each parent will have physical custody of the child.

For many parents facing issues regarding custody, there are some questions which are considered most common. According to the site, Michigan Courts located at courts.mi.gov, these are the most frequently asked questions regarding custody law in Michigan:

When can my child decide which parent he/she would like to live with?

• • When the child reaches 18 years of age or is emancipated

Does my child have any input in who he/she would like to live before they are 18?

• • The Child Custody Act requires that a court consider the reasonable preference of the child if the child is of sufficient age to express preference.

What do I do if I disagree with the judge?

• • Any decision may by a family division judge may be appealed to the Michigan Court of Appeals.

How many times can I ask the court to review custody?

• • As many times as you would like however, a parent who is seeking a custody change will be obligated to prove a change in circumstances.

Collis & Griffor, PC – A Family Law Attorney Ypsilanti MI

These are just some of the many questions that parents dealing with divorce and custody will more than likely wonder. If you have a question that you would like to ask, feel free to contact Collis & Griffor, PC, a wise choice when dealing with custody and other issues in Ypsilanti or the surrounding areas.

When your children’s happiness is at stake, it is imperative that you seek counsel in these situations. Your children’s future is at stake, be sure you find the attorney who is able to assist you. Contact Collis & Griffor, PC if you are living in or around Ypsilanti and are dealing with situations regarding divorce, custody or paternity and let us help you.

You may contact us via our online contact form /contact or simply call us at 734.827.1337.