Custody in Michigan Divorce Cases

Nothing comes easy when a couple decides to file for a divorce.  The division of assets and debts, deciding who, if anyone, keeps the marital home, and reestablishing a new life as a single person are unenviable tasks. Nothing, however, is more difficult on a person than determining what custody arrangement is in the best interests of the children and in so doing reducing the amount of time each parent gets to spend with the little ones.  Nothing can possibly compare to seeing time with one's children divided by half, or maybe more.

Let's start off by dispelling the rumor that a mother automatically has a greater claim to the custody of her children than the father. This statement is false.  Both parents have equal rights and a baseline custody arrangement seeks equal time for both parents.  There are limited instances and factors wherein a mother’s claim may be superior, but this is certainly not the norm.

While an equal division of time is certainly the goal, getting there can be difficult and at times impossible.  What if one parent travels for work?  What if one parent moves outside of the school district that the children have been attending? What if the kids do not react well to going from home to home every week?  How much stability do the children need?  These, and countless others, are questions that must be considered in determining a custody schedule that is in the best interests of the children.  

Custody arrangements work best when the parties are able to agree and be flexible.  Being agreeable and flexible, however, when dealing with an ex or soon to be ex, is easier said than done given that there are likely some strong feelings that are leading to the separation in the first place.  If you are facing a custody battle, you need an attorney in your corner that understands your situation and will vigorously advocate on your behalf.  Custody Orders are permanent in nature and once in place are difficult to change so you need to be sure that the Order reflects your wants and needs and truly looks out for the best interests of your children.  Contact The Law Office of Mattias Johnson today so that we can help make that happen.