Child Custody in Lansing, MI

We understand that a child custody battle is a personal and highly emotional issue. This is why we’re so passionate about connecting you with Lansing, Michigan professionals that will help you fight for your rights as a parent.

What Is Child Custody?

When two parents separate, they must decide on how their children spend time between them. Child custody refers to the right of either or both parents to provide a home for their children and exercise parental rights. In Lansing, MI not all child custody cases go to court, but when they do, courts make their decisions based on what they think is most beneficial for the child.

Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Lansing, Michigan

There are three main types of arrangements that can occur. These include full custody, sole custody, and joint custody. In Michigan, the Family Division of the Circuit Court handles all cases regarding child custody. If you live in Lansing, your case will typically be heard by the Family Division of the Ingham County Circuit Court.

What Is Full Custody?

In a full custody arrangement, one parent receives the majority of the parenting time and maintains physical custody. In most instances, this person also makes the majority of the decisions about the child’s upbringing and has control over decisions related to health, education, and religion. The parent awarded full custody is the primary custodial parent.

Michigan code requires courts to base all full custody decisions on the child’s best interests. A Lansing judge will base this decision on a number of factors, including the relationship between the child and each parent. Additionally, the judge will consider the stability of the child’s environment, and the mental and physical health of all involved. Any history of domestic violence will be weighed heavily by the judge.

To modify an existing custody order in Lansing, you can request a hearing from the court that issued the original order. You must file a Motion Regarding Parenting Time and serve notice on the other parent.

Even when children only live with one parent, the other parent still has the opportunity to be a part of their lives. The custodial parent may allow visiting time or the children may spend a few weekends with the non-custodial parent. In some instances, a parent awarded full custody might still maintain joint custody in practice with their partner for the benefit of the children.

What Is Sole Custody?

Most people do not differentiate between one parent getting the overwhelming majority of the parenting time or rights and sole custody. However, it is important to note the possibility of some parents getting no parenting time or rights at all. The court will provide one parent with sole physical custody if the other parent is deemed an unfit parent.

In some cases, the court may go as far as to terminate the rights of the other parent. This may occur if the parent gets convicted of particular crimes that might endanger a child. An example is child abuse or inappropriate sexual conduct with a child. Michigan state laws vary on what might result in parental termination.

What Is Joint Custody?

Joint custody describes the arrangement where both parents of the child split physical custody. When parents share equal custody, the child may spend a week or two on and off with either parent. Some families in Lansing, Michigan also practice “nesting”, where both parents move in and out of the home the child lives in when it is their turn to have custody.

Under Michigan law, the court may award joint custody in Lansing if it is in the best interests of the child. If the parents agree on joint custody, the court will usually award it. If the parents do not agree, a Lansing judge can still award joint custody based on the child’s best interests. Keep in mind that the court will look at the ability of the parents to cooperate and to resolve disputes. In addition, the parents must be able to generally agree on decisions affecting the welfare of the child.

In many joint custody arrangements, one parent may retain complete responsibility. This is for any major decisions that have to be made in regard to the well-being of the child. Also, joint custody does not always mean an equal sharing of time. In most instances, one parent still retains primary custody. In these cases, they may hold the larger portion of a 60/40 time split.

The Factors Courts Consider When Making a Decision

In Lansing, Michigan full custody is often awarded when one parent isn’t able to contribute to the responsibilities with raising the child. For example, if a parent is physically incarcerated, doesn’t have financial stability, or is involved in situations that may potentially hurt the child, the court may grant one parent full or sole custody due to the circumstances.

On the other hand, joint custody is often provided to the parents. Both parents assume the responsibilities that are required to raise a healthy and happy child. Both parents need to be able to work together to maintain consistent communication and follow the directions of the court. Sometimes parents do not work well together. Then the court is sometimes more likely to award one parent the majority of the parenting time to reduce friction.

With Lansing joint custody cases, both parents need to coordinate resources and activities to support the needs of the child. The situation of your custody arrangements might vary. There may be supervised custody arrangements for one parent. Another option is a public meeting place for the child to be picked up and dropped off with the other parent.

The Basics of the Child Custody Process 

Custody arrangements in Lansing, Michigan are often subject to family court orders and decisions. However, this is not always the case. Even when the split is amicable, hiring a child custody lawyer can help. Navigate the troubled waters of your custody battle with legal help. Many parents are able to come together to find a solution that works well for the child. Oftentimes without needing to involve the court system.

Although Michigan does not require mediation by statute, Court Rules allow a judge to order mediation. Ingham County’s Friend of the Court can provide formal or informal mediation services in Lansing disputes. Typically, there is no cost for Friend of the Court mediation. Importantly, a mediator will never provide a recommendation directly to the court. However, if both parents approve of the mediator’s recommendation, they can present it to the court themselves. If the judge approves the plan, it will become a court order.

Working with a Lansing custody lawyer as a mediator can help to advise you on the best type of custody arrangement that would work for the unique requirements and needs of your child. Hire an experienced child custody lawyer to help you better understand your rights as a parent and avoid costly mistakes.

Work With an Experienced Lansing, Michigan Child Custody Lawyer 

A child custody battle is a difficult and frustrating process. This is worse when there is animosity between you and the other parent. A Lansing lawyer that specializes in this area can help to explain the entire process of the child custody battle and can help to make a positive impact on your case whether they mediate the arrangement or defend one party.

Hire a dedicated and passionate child custody attorney in Lansing, Michigan.  Your chances of  seeing a custody agreement and visitation rights that are favorable for you will be much more likely. If you’re looking to hire an experienced child custody lawyer to help you understand your rights as a parent, you’ve come to the right place.

The attorneys we connect people with can increase your chances of getting the arrangement you seek, even in complex cases. Connect with an experienced lawyer in your area today. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Michigan state lines. 

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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