Child Custody Attorneys Grand Rapids

Child Custody Attorneys Grand Rapids

Child custody cases in Grand Rapids are often among the most contentious and emotionally difficult cases in Michigan family law. Whether you are on relatively good terms with your ex and believe you can work together to co-parent or you have concerns about joint legal custody and the complexities of parenting time, one of our experienced child custody attorneys in Grand Rapids can assist you with your case. Do not hesitate to get in touch with the advocates at the Van Den Heuvel Law Office to learn more about the services we provide in Michigan family law cases.

Types of Child Custody Issues Our Grand Rapids Lawyers Handle

Our child custody lawyers in Grand Rapids handle a wide variety of issues pertaining to child custody in Michigan, including but not limited to the following:

• Sole custody versus joint custody;
• Parenting time;
• Best interests of the child factors;
• Restrictions on child custody; 
• Domestic violence in custody cases; and
• Modifications.

Child custody can include sole custody (awarded to just one parent) or joint custody (custody shared by the parents). Parenting time is the time a noncustodial parent has the child.

Understanding Grand Rapids Best Interests of the Child Factors

When Michigan courts make determinations about child custody, courts will always focus on what is in the best interests of the child. When a court is deciding what type of custody arrangement is in the best interests of the child, the court may consider a variety of factors in the Michigan Child Custody Act of 1970. Those factors include but are not limited to the following:

• The existing relationships between the parties involved and the child;
• The ability and means of the parties involved to give the child love, care, and guidance;
• The ability and means of the parties involved to give the child all the necessary food, clothing, and medical care;
• Whether the child has lived in a stable and caring environment, and the desirability of maintaining that lifestyle;
• The moral fitness and the mental and physical health of the parties involved;
• The preference of the child, if the court considers the child to be old enough to express a reliable opinion;
• The willingness of the parties involved to facilitate and encourage the relationship between the child and the other parent; and
• Domestic violence, regardless of whether the violence was directed against or witnessed by the child.

Contact a Grand Rapids Child Custody Attorney

If you are going through a divorce and you share minor children with your spouse, or if you are separating from a partner and the two of you share minor children, you will need to plan for a Michigan child custody case. While Michigan child custody law can be complicated and child custody cases can be contentious, one of our experienced Grand Rapids child custody attorneys can help you. Contact Van Den Heuvel Law Office today for more information.