Grand Rapids, Michigan, Child Custody and Support Lawyers
Child custody and child support are issues that arise not only in divorce but also in paternity actions involving unmarried parents. In Michigan, every child has a right to be supported by both parents. Every parent also has custody or visitation rights, whether he or she was married or unmarried at the time the child was born.
At the law firm of Worsfold Macfarlane McDonald in Grand Rapids, our lawyers are experienced in representing the interests of both fathers and mothers in child custody and support cases.
There are two types of child custody in Michigan:
- Legal custody, which refers to decision-making authority over issues such as the child's education and religious upbringing
- Physical custody, which relates to which parent the child is residing with at any given time
While some jurisdictions are moving toward the joint physical custody, the most common arrangement continues to be joint legal custody with one parent having sole physical custody. In such an arrangement, the “non-custodial” parent can expect parenting time on alternating weekends, one mid-week evening, alternating holidays and a period in the summer.
Child support in Michigan is calculated using a formula that considers numerous factors including the custody and parenting time arrangement, income of both parties and number of children.
Parenting Time
In the State of Michigan, each parent is entitled to time with their children, unless it has been shown to the family court that such time would pose physical, mental or emotional harm to the minor children. Typically, parenting time schedules are determined on a case-by-case basis, and by utilizing the Michigan Parenting Time Guideline. The Parenting Time Guideline provides suggestions and recommendations relevant to the three most common parenting arrangements: joint custody, supervised parenting time and parenting time. The Guidelines are just that, guidelines, and are not an exhaustive list of issues and arrangements that may arise. A myriad of factors are considered when determining the length, frequency and type of parenting time.
Parenting time can be modified for numerous reasons, or changes in circumstances, In addition, there are many peripheral issues related to parenting time such as transportation, extra-curricular activities, children’s clothing and medical needs, and exchange times. All of these issues are fluid and can be modified under the right circumstances.
Child support modifications
Many circumstances may entitle you to an increase, or at times a decrease, in child support. For example:
- Loss of job
- Promotion/increase in salary
- Seasonal employment
Free Attorney Consultation
To discuss your child custody and support case with a lawyer at Worsfold Macfarlane McDonald, call 616-977-9200 or fill out the contact form on this site. From our office in Grand Rapids, we represent clients throughout Michigan.
» Article: ABC's of Parenting Time
» Article: Family Law Update: Changes to Child Support Calculations
