UNDERSTANDING CUSTODY

TWO KINDS OF CUSTODY
Michigan law provides for legal custody and physical custody, two different kinds of custody that are maintained at the same time. Legal custody refers to the right to participate in important decisions which can affect the welfare of a child (ie: medical decisions, educational decisions, religious decisions). Most judges and Michigan law in general prefer joint legal custody. But in limited situations joint legal custody is not appropriate. 
Physical custody refers to where the child will physically reside on a day-to-day basis. The parties can share physical custody or one party may be primarily responsible for the physical care of the child. If one party has physical custody then parenting time becomes an important issue. Parenting time should be arranged so as to promote a close and continuing relationship between the child and both parents. 

Michigan law no longer has a different child support calculation for parents with 128 overnights per year. Child support is now calculated based on the number of overnights per year spent with the non-custodial parent. The less overnights per year, the more child support is paid. This, along with income and tax deductions is used in determining child support. 

If you are currently negotiating child custody, support or visitation, it is essential that you have an aggressive child custody attorney representing you and working for the best interests of your child. You can read on the internet for hours about child custody and parenting time, but nothing will replace the practical and successful experience of Jodi J. Doak and Timothy Arner. 

Make the Smart Choice. Call Immediately. We strive to have an attorney answer our phones 24 hours a day 7 days a week. If we are not immediately available, we will call back as soon as possible, many times within minutes of the call. The call is free and the consultation is free. Protect your children’s future now. 

Contact the Doak Law Firm today for your FREE 1/2 hour consultation.