Child Custody

Grand Rapids Child Custody and Support Lawyer

Your children are the most important part of your life. Both parents want the best for their children, but they do not always agree on what the best entails. Custody disputes are particularly emotional because they involve your children and your finances.

At Twohey Maggini, PLC, our law firm understands that this is a difficult time for you. Our experienced attorneys are compassionate in the way they handle your situation. Our attorneys are skilled in mediation, negotiation and litigation, so that whatever legal option will resolve your issue will be handled with professionalism and confidence. Established in 1954, our law firm has handled legal matters for individuals and families for more than 50 years. Located in Grand Rapids, we serve clientele throughout the western Michigan region.

The Child’s Best Interest

There are a number of factors that the court takes under consideration to determine child custody. Ultimately the court wants to make a decision that is in the best interest of the child or children involved. Some of the factors include:

1. Providing for child’s needs
2. Mental and physical health of the parties involved
3. Whether domestic violence has occurred in the home
4. Capacity to give love, affection and guidance
5. Reasonable preference of child

The Basics of Child Custody

There are two different types of custody that courts refer to in child custody cases.

1. Physical custody: This type of custody refers to who is providing more of the parenting time. In general courts are moving away from this term.
2. Legal custody: This refers to the right to make important decisions for the child, including medical, religious and educational decisions. In most cases both parents share this type of custody.

The issues of custody and parenting time (visitation) are tied together. They are further tied to child support. Under the law child support, takes both parents’ income into account. Generally the child support guidelines are unambiguous; however, if the parties can request a departure from the guidelines for good reasons. There is a better chance that your request will be granted with the assistance and preparation of a skilled attorney.

Contact a Holland Parenting Time Lawyer