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How do courts determine a child’s best interests?

How do courts determine a child’s best interests?

  • Child Custody

Divorce is hard on adults and children alike. When a family splits due to the end of the marital relationship between two parents, everyone in the household can feel the burden of the event. However, when children are involved in Michigan divorces, courts look to protect them by determining their best interests for child custody purposes.

Different children have different interests, and therefore no two custody plans may be exactly the same. When parents have concerns and questions about how child custody matters may be managed in their own divorces, they can talk to dedicated divorce and family law attorneys. This post should not be used as legal advice or guidance.

Determining a child’s best interests

The best interests of a child are not determined based on one or two considerations. Courts evaluate many factors to best address the needs and expectations that individual children have for their own lives. Some of those factors include:

  • The emotional relationships between the child and their parents
  • The health of the parents and child
  • The stability of the child’s proposed post-divorce home
  • The existence of domestic violence in the family
  • The ability of the parents to work together to contribute to the child’s needs
 

As different children have different physical, emotional, psychological, and educational needs, their custody plans must be tailored to fit their requirements. Parents can fight to protect their children with strong child custody plans.

When a child’s interests change

Children are dynamic beings and over time their needs can vary. While all humans need food, shelter, and love, a child’s individual needs may fluctuate with regard to where and from whom they seek support. When a child’s custody plan no longer fits their best interests, it may be possible to modify it through the courts. Changes to child custody plans can be discussed with readers’ trusted divorce lawyers.

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The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.

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“[They] represented me in a very difficult divorce and stood by me through numerous conflicts with my ex-wife after the agreement was final. Annette assisted me in every step of the case preparation, provided outstanding council regarding the financial settlement, anticipated difficult questions from the court and opposing counsel, presented my case professionally and persuasively, and when things got tough this woman became a velvet hammer! Annette maintained her professional edge at all times as she politely, yet forcefully pummeled the opposing counsel’s arguments. It’s clear that she has earned the respect of Judges. This respect and her credibility benefited me and my position during difficult litigation and in the decisions made by the Judge. Over the years since my divorce was final, Annette has promptly responded to my post judgment requests for support and frankly, she has never failed me. Great advice, great guidance and great support. When you’re in front of a Judge in these very trying important moments, you realize how critical it is to have the right representation. Annette and the office staff worked together, with me, to successfully fight the most important battle of my life. Hiring Annette Benson Law was one of my very best decisions.”
R.E.
“I worked with Annette on my custody case. She helped me understand the court process and guided me through it as an active participant. She helped me to help myself and as a team, I felt empowered for the first time in a long time. She took the time to educate me on all of my options, explaining different scenarios that were possible along the way. Her relentless commitment and constant attention paid off in the end. My children are doing well and my relationship with my ex-husband is now functional. I no longer feel like the victim and therefore, I am able to be the parent I need to be. I feel like Annette genuinely cares about me and my children and helped me both inside and outside the courtroom”.
R.T.
“Pit bulls in skirts they are! I highly recommend Alicia and Annette for custody cases. Detailed, understanding and always available when you have a question or concern. Even Colleen, their legal secretary, is always available to address questions or concerns. Each step of the way and every process is explained. Alicia Meeker was primary counsel on my case and she took the time to know me and my case and truly fought for me! These ladies are the best! Genuine, kind and compassionate, while fearless and prepared to battle. Pit bulls in skirts says it all.”
O.T.
“My divorce was uglier than I ever anticipated. My ex-husband pretended to be cooperative and kind in front of the Judge, but at home, he was nasty and manipulative and I was petrified! I trusted Annette would be my best advocate in the courtroom, as her reputation speaks for itself. What I didn’t expect was her total understanding of the bs I was dealing with at home. It was like she knew my husband, and anticipated his every move! She gave me advice on how to act, what to say and not say and sure enough, I gained control over the game playing and was able to shut it down. Annette’s help was more than securing my finances, she helped me find the confidence to believe in myself and move forward with direction rather than in fear. I am grateful for her insight, compassion, and direct approach – without it, I think I’d still be hiding in my own skin”.
L.G.
“Annette reminds me of the Tasmanian Devil! She’s small, always in motion and managed so many aspects of my case at one time! It was difficult at times to keep up with her, but I soon realized that there’s always a method and strategy that gets the results. Annette is one tough cookie and that’s exactly what I needed”.
M.K.
“I consulted with a few attorneys about seeking custody of my two girls. Neither attorney I met with sounded optimistic but were of course willing to take my money and try. When I met with Annette, I was surprised at the direction our conversation went – she asked me questions no other attorney had asked before. She looked at the big picture and came up with a strategy that worked! I’m thankful to have my girls with me full time and I’m grateful for Annette’s creative thinking, courtroom control and ultimate success”.
D.O.

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The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.