Custody Lawyers in Ann Arbor Michigan
When determining the custody of a child, judges must consider what is in the best interest of the child. In Michigan, there are 12 factors to consider. The court takes these 12 factors very seriously.
Faupel, Fraser & Fessler, Attorneys at Law, has assisted many families with child custody. We thoroughly understand the best interest of the child factors. Our attorneys have the knowledge and experience you need to work through custody issues.
We Help Families Find Solutions
A custody lawyer needs to understand child development, family dynamics and what is appropriate for children. Our attorneys understand these issues. We also work with teachers, doctors and other professionals to learn about the children involved.
The court will use a best interest of the child test when deciding custody. The 12 factors are:
- The love and affection between parent and child
- The ability of each parent to give the child love and guidance as they continue their education and religious instruction
- The ability of each parent to provide food, clothing and medical care
- The length of time the child has lived in a stable environment and whether that environment may continue
- The permanence of the family unit in each home
- The moral fitness of each party
- The mental and physical health of each party
- The home, school and community record of the child
- The reasonable preference of the child, usually if age 12 or older
- The willingness and ability of each parent to facilitate a good relationship with the other parent
- Domestic violence
- Other factors the court considers relevant
Custody Help for Same-Sex Couples
We welcome same-sex couples, transsexual clients and GLBT clients. Although sexual preference is not used against a parent in custody cases, there are difficulties for same-sex couples. You must be the child's legal parent to get custody and visitation rights. This presents problems for partners of the child's legal parent. We constantly monitor the evolving law surrounding same-sex couples and have litigated same-sex couple child custody matters in trial and appellate courts.
Contact Us
To make an appointment, please call 734-418-0958 or send us an e-mail. To learn more about the best interest of the child factors, please see our articles page.
