Oakland County Child Custody Lawyer
We understand that nothing is more important to you than your children. Whether your child custody is established through a divorce, a family support case, or a paternity case, we can help you understand your rights. Experienced family law attorney Starla Zehr has helped hundreds of parents obtain the custody they deserve. She can help you, too.
Choosing a custody attorney is an extremely personal decision. You need to choose an attorney who is highly experienced in custody law – and who is someone you can trust, and with whom you can be completely honest. Experienced family law attorney Starla Zehr has successfully represented hundreds of men and women in their Oakland County custody cases.
Starla offers caring, compassionate advice & aggressive representation at affordable rates. Call Starla today for a free, confidential consultation.
Understanding Michigan Custody Law
Sole Custody is when children live primarily with one parent, who is responsible for the child’s care and makes decisions about the child’s welfare.
Joint Legal Custody refers to parents sharing important decisions relating to the child and may or may not include sharing physical custody.
Parenting Time is the word used by the Court to refer to the “visitation” that a non-custodial parent has with their children.
Custody and Parenting Time can be changed any time both parties agree and the Court approves. But when parties cannot agree a Motion must be filed and the Judge will decide who gets custody as well as the amount of parenting time the other parent receives.
Child Custody Factors
In Michigan, a Judge considers 12 factors when determining child custody.
When parents cannot agree on custody arrangements, the Judge will determine custody based on the “best interests of the child”. In doing so, they are directed by Michigan law to take into consideration 12 specific factors:
(1.) The love and emotional bond that exists between the child and each parent
(2.) The ability of each parent to provide the child with love, affection, education, and guidance in their religion or creed (if any).
(3.) The ability of each parent to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care, other remedial care and other material needs.
(4.) The length of time that the child has lived with one parent and/or in the same location in a stable environment, and the advantage of not disrupting this continuity.
(5.) The family unit’s “permanence” or stability in the existing or proposed custodial home or homes.
(6.) The moral fitness of each of the parents.
(7.) The mental and physical health of each of the parents.
(8.) The home, school, and community record of the child.
(9.) If the Judge considers the child to be old enough to express a preference, they will take into consideration the “reasonable preference” of the child.
(10.) The willingness of each parent to maintain & encourage a close, continuing relationship between the child & other parent.
Note: The Judge will not penalize a parent who has withheld a relationship with the other parent in order to protect the child (or themselves) from sexual assault or domestic violence.
(11.) Any history of domestic violence – even if the violence was not directed against or witnessed by the child.
(12.) Any other factor(s) considered by the Judge to be relevant to the child.
Because of the complexity of Michigan’s custody law, only an experienced lawyer can fully explain your custody rights and how the law applies to your situation. If you have a custody matter in Michigan, you need an understanding, aggressive and experienced family law attorney to ensure you get the custody that you deserve.
Experienced Oakland County Custody Attorney Starla Zehr Can Help You
Experienced custody attorney Starla Zehr has successfully represented hundreds of individuals in their child custody matters. She will offer you compassionate advice and aggressive representation at affordable rates, to ensure that your rights are always protected. Call Starla for a free, confidential consultation today.
