Protecting Your Children At The Crossroads Of Custody Decisions
Ensuring the safety and protection of your children is one of the most important functions that I perform as a family law attorney. No two families are the same, and you deserve to have an attorney in your corner who advocates for their best interests. You can count on me – lawyer Jessica Lashier – to do that when it matters most.
The custody and parenting time decisions you make now will have a long-term impact on the lives and future of your kids. At my firm, Lashier Law, PLLC, in Clinton Township, you will find the support you need during this critical decision-making juncture. I draw on extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of Michigan family law to help my clients arrive at well-thought-out arrangements that suit their unique circumstances. And because I am also a certified mediator, I understand how to dig deep to find common ground and come up with creative arrangements that work well for everyone involved – most of all, the children.
Learn more about my mediation services for custody cases.
Understanding Child Custody In Michigan
Custody determinations are based on the best interests of the child or children. There are two aspects of child custody in Michigan:
- Legal custody refers to the authority to make life decisions regarding the child’s religion, schooling, health matters and more
- Physical custody refers to the parenting time arrangement and where the child resides
Except in cases involving domestic abuse, severe mental health issues, substance abuse or other extenuating circumstances, legal custody is usually split equally between both parents.
In determining physical custody, Michigan courts will look at a variety of case-specific factors, including:
- The age of each child
- Each child’s physical and mental health needs
- The proximity of each parent to schools and each other
- Any history of physical or emotional abuse
- The overall physical and mental health of each parent
I take a thorough approach to addressing both aspects of custody, developing the strong evidence and arguments necessary to advocate for the children’s best interests.