Not all families in Michigan remain a unit. Whether it is due to a divorce or a split, parents will need to address certain family law issues when navigating parenting with two households. Child custody is necessary to establish, whether it means joint or sole custody. Additionally, when child custody issues arise following an order being established, it is important for parents to understand their rights and available options to resolve them.
Michigan custody and parenting time
Establishing child custody is a necessary step to take when parents divorce or split up. When parents seek a child custody order in Michigan, there are various arrangements that could result. One parent could take on the role as custodial parent while the other parent would be the non-custodial parent. The custodial parent is the parent with whom the child resides with and the parent that has primary care, custody and responsibility of the child. The noncustodial parent will be awarded parenting time. This is the time the child will spend with this parent.
If the custody and parenting order is not being followed, it is possible to seek enforcement. This could result in makeup parenting time, a civil contempt hearing or the need to move forward with alternative dispute resolution methods to resolve the issue.
Parenting time issues
There may be times where a parent refuses to see a child or return the child to the other parent. Both of these matters could result in the need to take action. If a parent refuses to see a child, nothing can be done to force this relationship. However, it may be possible to seek counseling, mediation or filing a motion to change the order. If a parent refuses to return the child, this gives the other parent the right to contact law enforcement a file a parental kidnapping charge.
Navigating child custody issues and family law matters can be challenging. Not only is it an emotional event to move through, it is also one that could need to be revisited. Therefore, it can cause parent to have various questions about how best to resolve the matter. A legal professional could help a parent work through family law matters and ensure that the best interests of the child are met.
