Parents who divorce usually both want what’s best for their sons and daughters, but custody issues can quickly become contentious. At my Troy firm, Dawson Family Law, PLLC, I draw upon more than 40 years of legal experience to find creative solutions to parenting conflicts that arise during a divorce. Child custody, more than any other divorce issue, requires couples to collaborate years after litigation ends, so I am focused on establishing fair terms through negotiation and mediation whenever possible. If it is not possible to establish suitable arrangements through consensus, I will prepare a comprehensive argument to bring before the court to protect your parental rights.
Under the Michigan Child Custody Act, judges can use any relevant factors when making a custody determination, but several are specifically mentioned in the statute, such as parental fitness, maintaining a stable environment for the child, and each parent’s willingness to cooperate with the other. If a child is of sufficient age, their preference can be taken into account as well. There are three main aspects of a post-divorce parenting arrangement:
I know that each child custody determination is unique, so I am committed to learning every important detail about the physical, educational, social and emotional needs of young people who are the subjects of these proceedings. Starting with a free initial consultation, I’ll develop a strategy that is tailored to your child’s situation.
Custody and parenting time orders are supposed to establish a reliable routine that helps sons and daughters overcome the turmoil associated with their parents’ divorce. However, sometimes a significant change such as a new job or ailing relative makes it extremely difficult to honor the terms that were originally set. This can be particularly difficult if a parent is required to move to a distant location. With more than four decades of legal experience, I counsel parents on whether a change is significant enough to convince a court that modification is necessary. By taking a comprehensive approach that analyzes the needs of children and parents, my firm makes a strong argument for the results that my clients seek.
Dawson Family Law, PLLC advises Michigan clients on child custody issues and other family law matters. To make an appointment for a free initial consultation at my Troy office, please call 586-514-0084 or contact me online.