Grand Rapids Child Custody Attorneys

Types of Custody Arrangements in Michigan

There are two distinct types of custody: legal custody and physical custody. Each category carries different implications and responsibilities.

Legal custody designates which parent (or parents) has the responsibility over major decisions regarding a child’s upbringing, including medical treatment, enrollment in school, religious instruction, and participation in extracurricular activities. Legal custody can also affect a parent’s ability to move out of state or more than 100 miles away. Most judges in the West Michigan area will grant parents joint legal custody unless it is clear that the parties are unable to reasonably communicate and agree regarding significant decisions affecting the best interests of their child(ren).

Physical custody designates which parent the child will primarily reside with. The term “joint physical custody” is typically used when parents share an approximately equal amount of parenting time with their children. It is becoming increasingly common for the courts to award joint physical custody. 

In many cases, however, parents will have joint legal custody of their child(dren) but not joint physical custody. The custodial parent is the individual with whom the child resides for the majority of the time. This designation grants them the primary responsibility for the day-to-day care and decision-making related to the child's needs, including education, healthcare, and emotional guidance.

On the other hand, while the non-custodial parent may not share the home with the child, they still retain important rights and responsibilities. This generally includes visitation rights, allowing them to spend predetermined periods of time with their child. Additionally, non-custodial parents are usually obligated to provide financial support to contribute to the child's upbringing and well-being. The degree of involvement of a non-custodial parent in the child's life can vary greatly and is often outlined in a legal agreement or custody order established by the court.

Divorcing parents have the opportunity to work out an agreeable custody and visitation arrangement without court involvement. When parents cannot agree, the court will be forced to resolve disputes and issue an enforceable custody order. 

Our Grand Rapids child custody attorneys understand what is at stake and are ready to fervently represent your interests in custody conflicts. We will make every effort to secure a fair and just result that is right for your family and consistent with your goals.

What Is Parenting Time?

Parenting time, commonly referred to as visitation, plays a crucial role in establishing a maintained relationship between the non-custodial parent and the child following a divorce or separation. In the state of Michigan, parenting time is meticulously outlined to ensure that both parents continue to have meaningful involvement in their child's life unless it's proven to be detrimental to the child's well-being. Michigan courts tend to encourage arrangements that allow for frequent and consistent contact with both parents.

The specifics of parenting time can vary significantly, with schedules being highly customizable to accommodate each family’s unique circumstances. This can range from alternating weekends and holidays to more extended periods during school breaks depending on the distance between the parents' residences and the child's schedule. In scenarios where parents are unable to reach an agreement on parenting time, the court may intervene and establish a schedule based on an evaluation of various factors, such as the emotional ties between the child and each parent, the child's adjustment to home, school, and community, as well as the mental and physical health of all individuals involved.