Child custody disputes can be acrimonious which is why it is helpful for parents to understand the factors that influence child custody decisions. Parents can then use the knowledge of those factors to advocate for a child custody arrangement that is best for their child.
Child custody factors used to determine custody in Michigan
Child custody arrangements, child custody modifications and child custody disputes are always resolved with the goal of what is best for the child in mind. The factors used to determine the best interests of the child include:
- The love, affection and emotional ties between the parents and the child;
- The capacities and dispositions of the parents to provide the child with love, affection and guidance and to continue to raise the child in its religion;
- The capacities and dispositions of the parents to provide the child with food, clothing and care;
- The length of time the child has lived in a stable and satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining the continuity of that environment for the child;
- The permanence of the child’s existing, or proposed, home;
- The moral fitness of the parents;
- The mental and physical health of the parents;
- The home, school and community record of the child;
- The reasonable preference of the child if the court considers the child to be of sufficient age to express it;
- The willingness of each of the parents to encourage a close and continuing relationship between the child and the other parent;
- Any domestic violence; and
- Any other factors considered relevant by the family law court.
Because child custody can be a contentious topic during the divorce process, it is helpful to be familiar with child custody factors used to resolve custody and custody disputes. Armed with this information, parents can better navigate the child custody process to obtain custody of their child.