Best Interests of a Child in a Divorce Case

When filing for divorce, there are many important decisions besides who will get what property, such as custody and visitation. You will want a good Michigan divorce attorney to protect you.

Best Interests of the Child

One of the major decisions in a divorce is the placement and custody of the children. If the parents cannot agree, the court will determine what is in the child’s or children’s best interest.

The state of Michigan has a statute that requires that the child’s best interests be considered whenever specified types of decisions are made regarding a child’s custody, placement, or other critical life issues. Having a top Michigan divorce attorney will be beneficial in helping to determine such factors.

The goal of a Michigan divorce attorney is to help parents resolve their legal issues without leaving that decision up to the court. In any custody conflict, it is crucial that you do not lose sight of the importance of making decisions in the best interest of your child or children. The choices you make now will affect your children’s development and your relationship with them.

The 12 Factors when determining the “Best Interests of the Child.”

The love, affection, and other emotional ties existing between the parties involved and the child.
The capacity and disposition of the parties involved to give the child love, affection, and guidance and to continue the education and raising of the child in their religion or creed, if any.
The capacity and disposition of the parties involved to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care or other remedial care recognized and permitted under the laws of this state in place of medical care, and other material needs.
The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment, and the desirability of maintaining continuity.
The permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or proposed custodial home or homes.
The moral fitness of the parties involved.
The mental and physical health of the parties involved.
The home, school, and community records of the child.
The reasonable preference of the child, if the court considers the child to be of sufficient age to express a preference.
The willingness and ability of each of the parties to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent or the child and the parents.
Domestic violence, regardless of whether the violence was directed against or witnessed by the child.
Any other factor considered by the court to be relevant to a particular child custody dispute.

Are you looking for the best Wayne, Macomb, or Oakland County divorce attorney?

Please contact our office if you are looking for a good divorce attorney. Although LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. does not handle family law cases, we work with the top divorce, custody, child support, and family law lawyers in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties and in courts throughout Michigan. One of our attorneys will be happy to speak with you directly and help you find the right Michigan Family Law Lawyer for you. A top family law attorney will be able to discuss the 12-factor test for the best interests of the child test and work with you to develop a winning strategy.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.