Going through a child custody battle in Michigan involves a lot more than just trying to make sure that you have your child more than your ex. Instead, you have to consider the best interests of your child. The Michigan Child Custody Act sets some standards about what points must be considered when trying to determine the best interests of the child.
What physical points are considered?
The ability of each parent to provide for the needs of the child, including shelter, clothing, medical care, food, and other similar needs is considered. When this is a factor, the amount of money isn’t what is important. Instead, the standard that is used involves being able to provide the child with adequate material goods.
What emotional and mental points are considered?
The ability of each parent to love the child and show affection for the child is a factor. The ability of the parents to provide the child with moral, educational, and spiritual guidance is also considered. The court will consider how long the parents have been a part of the child’s life.
What other factors are considered?
The stability of each parent’s home environment, the health of each parent, and the ability of each parent to facilitate a positive relationship between the child and the other parent are other factors that matter. If the child is old enough to have an opinion about which parent to live with, the child’s wishes can be considered.
Other factors can also come into the picture when you are in the midst of a child custody battle. Knowing what might affect your battle can help you to decide how to handle each point.
Source: Kent County, Michigan, “Factors: Michigan Child Custody Act,” accessed July 27, 2016
