Farmington Hills Child Custody Lawyer

Michigan attorney handles negotiations and court proceedings on parenting time

When your ability to spend time with your child is on the line, there is no room for error. Do not put your parental rights in jeopardy by hiring a family law attorney who does not have substantial trial experience. Louis Galinsky is a Farmington Hills child custody lawyer who has a four-decade record of successful results at Rosenbaum, Bloom, Meyerson & Galinsky, P.C. Nothing is more important to you as a parent than your son or daughter’s well-being, and we have the knowledge, skill and experience to resolve your custody or visitation issue in a way that benefits you and your child.   

Types of child custody in Michigan

Child custody orders in Michigan set forth terms relating to legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody is the term used to describe the power parents have to make important choices regarding their son or daughter’s upbringing. Often, legal custody will be granted jointly, which allows both parents to have influence over matters relating to their child’s schooling, medical treatment and religious faith. However, there could be situations where a parent has shown that they are not capable of handling this authority responsibly, leading the other parent to pursue sole legal custody. Terms of physical custody state where a child will live. This type of custody can also be awarded jointly, even if the youth spends more nights in one home than the other. In cases where one parent has primary physical custody, the other usually will be given substantial visitation time under the parenting time schedule included with the order.

Factors influencing child custody determinations in Michigan

As an experienced Farmington Hills divorce lawyer, Louis Galinsky understands the value of reaching a settlement on child custody matters so that both parents can feel comfortable with the framework that will help guide their relationship with their child and each other going forward. However, there are situations where the judge will have to rule on what is in the child’s best interests. Any information can be used in this evaluation, but some of the most common factors in these cases include the following:

  • The ability of each parent to meet their child’s needs
  • The preference of the child, if they are old enough to make a responsible decision
  • Emotional bonds between the child and each parent
  • Each parent’s commitment to promoting their child’s relationship with the other parent
  • Any history of family violence or substance abuse
  • The benefit in maintaining consistency in the child’s home life, neighborhood and education

Like each child, each custody case is unique, so you deserve an attorney who is committed learning about your son or daughter’s specific needs and has a track record of securing favorable results in these matters.

Navigating the child custody mediation process

Unlike litigants in other types of matters, divorcing parents of minors will still have to communicate on important issues likely for years after the case has ended. With this in mind, it is often in everyone’s best interests to work out a child custody settlement before a qualified family law mediator. Attorney Louis Galinsky is highly experienced representing parents in this method of alternative dispute resolution and often can find creative solutions to help parties reach consensus.  

Parental rights in relocation cases

Establishing fair child custody arrangements sometimes requires a great deal of effort, but something might occur later that makes a custodial parent choose to relocate to another home. Perhaps their job has been transferred out of state or a distant loved one requires additional care. Even if there is good reason for a parent to move with their son or daughter, the effect on the noncustodial parent means that legal authorization, either through consent or court decision, must be granted for a relocation out of state or one that is 100 miles or more within Michigan. Our firm assists parents seeking and opposing relocations and thoroughly reviews the facts to argue how the proposed move affects parental rights as well as the child’s physical, emotional, social and educational needs.

Modification and enforcement of Michigan child custody orders

Like initial child custody determinations, modification requests are decided based on what is in the young person’s best interests. If shifts in circumstances warrant changes, we usually will seek consent for an adjustment to the parenting plan and submit that modification to the court if there is an agreement between parents. However, sometimes this is not possible, particularly if the proposed change is based on an allegation that a co-parent’s rights should be restricted due to domestic violence, neglect or substance abuse. In these matters, we petition the court for an appropriate modification and advocate for that change in a hearing. Attorney Louis Galinsky also represents mothers and fathers when court action is required to enforce the terms of an existing custody order because their co-parent is not in compliance with its terms.

Speak with a Michigan child custody attorney in a free consultation

Rosenbaum, Bloom, Meyerson & Galinsky, P.C. in Farmington Hills represents Michigan parents in child custody negotiations and legal proceedings. Please call 248-200-2240 or contact us online to make an appointment for a free initial consultation.