Rochester Hills Child Custody Lawyer

Child Custody Attorney in Rochester Hills, MI

One of the most stressful parts of any divorce or separation is figuring out who gets custody of the kids. Whether you’re just starting the divorce process or facing a custody modification, it’s important to understand how courts handle custody in Michigan—and what you can do to protect your relationship with your children with the help of a Rochester Hills child custody lawyer.

Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody in Michigan

Before diving into the legal process, it helps to know the difference between the two key terms:

Legal Custody: The right to make important decisions about your child’s life, including education, medical care, and religious upbringing. This can be joint (shared by both parents) or sole (one parent has the final say).

Physical Custody: Where the child lives and how much time they spend with each parent. Again, this can be joint or sole, though joint physical custody doesn’t always mean equal time.

Michigan Courts Focus on the Child’s Best Interests

Michigan courts are guided by the “best interest of the child” standard, not what’s most convenient or fair to the parents. Judges rely on 12 statutory factors under the Michigan Child Custody Act to decide what arrangement best supports the child’s well-being.

These factors include:

1. Emotional ties between the chil and each parent
2. Capacity of each parent to provide love, affection, and guidance
3. Ability to provide food, clothing, and medical care
4. Length of time the child has lived in a stable environment
5. Permanence of the existing or proposed home
6. Moral fitness of each parent
7. Mental and physical health of the parents
8. Child’s school, community, and home record
9. Preference of the child (if mature enough)
10. Willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent
11. History of domestic violence, if any
12. Any other relevant factors the court finds important

No single factor is determinative. When it comes to custody in Michigan, Judges look at the whole picture and may weigh some factors more heavily depending on your family’s circumstances.

Joint Legal Custody Is Common—But Not Automatic

In Oakland County and throughout Michigan, courts often prefer joint legal custody, assuming both parents are fit and capable of working together. Joint physical custody is also common, but doesn’t necessarily mean a 50/50 split. The goal is a custody schedule that supports the child’s routine and stability.

If parents can’t agree on a plan, the court may order mediation or appoint a Friend of the Court (FOC) evaluator to investigate and make a recommendation.

What You Can Do to Strengthen Your Custody Case

If you’re going through a custody case, here are some steps to help protect your rights and show the court that you are acting in your child’s best interests:

• • Stay involved in your child’s daily life (school, activities, medical care)
  • Keep records (texts, emails, calendars, expenses) that reflect your involvement
  • Be cooperative and avoid bad-mouthing the other parent
  • Follow court orders and show that you can put your child’s needs first
  • Speak with an experienced family law attorney who knows how custody decisions are made in your local court

What If You Already Have a Custody Order?

Custody orders can be modified—but only if there’s been a significant change in circumstances, like a move, a new job schedule, or concerns about the child’s safety. The court will once again review the best interest factors before making any changes.

Understanding Child Custody in Rochester Hills

Families in Rochester Hills neighborhoods such as Stony Creek Ridge, North Fairview Farms, and Avon Hills often face the same questions about legal custody, parenting time, and financial support when going through a custody battle. Understanding these issues is critical to ensuring stability and well-being for children during transitions.

Why You Should Hire a Child Custody Lawyer

Nothing matters more to parents than their time with their children. The decision to hire a child custody lawyer positions you for a favorable outcome in court that protects your rights as a parent. Stephanie Krane-Boehmer, a Rochester Hills child custody attorney, has 20+ years of experience helping parents navigate child custody cases with focus and precision.

She relies on her knowledge of child custody laws and familiarity with local courts, like the Family Division of the Oakland County Circuit Court, to negotiate or litigate in court. She always operates with the goal of preserving the custody rights of their clients.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Fees for a Child Custody Lawyer in Michigan?

A: A child custody lawyer’s fees in Michigan depend on their hourly rate and how much time and resources they put into the case. Another factor that could determine your attorney’s fees is the complexity of the case. Contentious situations often take longer to resolve and may require multiple hearings and mediation. I can discuss the potential costs of hiring me as your child custody lawyer during your initial consultation.

Q: What Is the Biggest Mistake Parents Make in Custody Battles?

A: The biggest mistake parents make in custody battles is failing to focus on the needs of their child. When parents put their own personal goals or grievances against the other parent above doing what is right for the child, custody cases can become prolonged and contentious. Follow your attorney’s advice throughout the process. Failing to appear reasonable in court could harm how the court views you and your ability to co-parent.

Q: Who Wins Most Child Custody Cases?

A: The laws that govern the family courts make no preference between mothers and fathers, meaning either parent stands a strong chance of securing a favorable outcome in a custody case. Often, the deciding factor that influences the final order is the experience of either party’s legal representation.

A child custody lawyer can take steps to safeguard their client’s parental rights. They can also make sure the courts understand the important role their client has in the child’s life.

Q: What Looks Bad in a Custody Battle?

A: Failing to make a good-faith effort to resolve areas of disagreement can look bad in the eyes of the court. When one parent refuses to compromise on any area of a custody battle, that can create delays in the case and complications for the court process. Ultimately, those actions may backfire if custody decisions are made by a Judge. The courts encourage both parents to work together to make an agreement on custody matters.

Talk to a Local Attorney Who Understands Custody Law in Michigan

Child custody cases are emotional, complex, and deeply personal. You don’t have to face it alone. Stephanie Krane-Boehmer helps parents navigate the custody process with clarity and confidence, whether you’re just starting out or need to modify an existing order.

Contact my office today to schedule a consultation and get the guidance you need to protect your parenting rights and your child’s future. We are located in Rochester Hills and serve Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, and Wayne Counties.