Often child custody is the most contentious issue in a divorce. Regardless of your relationship with your ex-spouse, you want what is best for your children. Lorrie J. Zahodnic, P.C. has provided child custody legal assistance to Sterling Heights clients for over 20 years. An experienced custody lawyer serving the communities in Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, and Wayne counties, Ms. Zahodnic can help you work out the details of caring for your children after divorce, including:
| • Child custody |
• Child support |
| • Parenting time |
• Modifications |
| • Visitation |
|
Child Custody: An overview
Michigan custody law dictates that joint custody must be considered in every custody case. However, joint custody does not mean each parent having the children for an equal amount of time. There are two types of custody:
- Legal custody. Legal custody is the right to make decisions about your child’s educational and medical issues.
- Physical custody. Physical custody typically means your child resides the majority of the time with one parent.
And custody may break down as:
- Joint legal custody, with physical custody to one party
- Joint legal and joint physical custody with both parties
However, even in joint legal and physical custody, parenting time is not necessarily equally divided. In joint custody arrangements, parents must understand their children’s needs and agree on a time-sharing arrangement that is best for their children. Although joint custody is encouraged, it is only workable when divorcing spouses are cooperative and agreeable on the important decisions affecting their children.
Regardless of the type of custody awarded, no custody arrangement eliminates the responsibility of child support, which is typically based upon:
- Your children’s needs
- Each parent’s financial resources
- Michigan child support guidelines
Before you decide to enter into a custody dispute with your ex-spouse, it is wise to consider your reasons for doing so and the effect it can have on your children. If, after careful consideration, you believe requesting a certain type of custody is the right solution, working with an experienced child custody attorney in Macomb County can help you through the process.
Helping you to make an informed decision
Let us help you analyze your circumstances and reach an informed and reasonable decision regarding your children. Contact Lorrie J. Zahodnic, P.C. online or call 586-412-2000 and schedule a consultation to discuss your child custody needs.