Attorney Untangling Child Custody Disputes
Last updated on April 16, 2026
Michigan Child Custody Lawyer – Phone: 248-646-7980
Where divorce concerns the needs of the children, deciding upon the parent’s role in raising the children becomes essential. Confusing questions arise regarding the difference between physical custody and legal custody. What happens when both parents have concerns about where the child will live? How will visitation and parenting time work?
The Needs And Concerns Of Children And Parents
The child custody lawyer at the Law Offices of Michael A. Robbins, PLLC in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, represents men and women in all divorce-related matters, including custody and visitation. The worries commonly expressed by parents include:
- How is custody decided?
- What is joint custody?
- At what age, if there is one, can a child decide where he or she wants to live?
- What is the shared economic responsibility formula?
- What if one parent moves to another state?
- What are reasonable expectations for child care?
The Michael A. Robbins has significant experience representing clients with child custody, visitation and parenting time issues. He represents mothers and fathers throughout Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties in the design, enforcement and modification of custody, parenting time and visitation orders. Mr. Robbins has worked considerably with Friend of the Court in Michigan, advising and representing clients in divorce trials, mediation and hearings throughout the Tri-County area.
A nationally recognized authority in divorce and family law, Mr. Robbins has lectured and written articles addressing a multitude of custody and visitation issues, including third-party custody rights and visitation. His child custody questionnaire is used by lawyers and parents throughout Michigan. He has been featured on numerous local and national telecasts, including “Good Morning America,” the “Today” show and “CBS This Morning.”
To learn more about custody issues in Michigan, see Mr. Robbins’ article about Joint Custody.
How The Michigan Family Courts Determine The Best Interests Of A Child
Currently, state statutes identify 12 specific factors that a judge should consider when determining what is in a child’s best interest. Those factors include:
- The love, affection and emotional ties between parents and their child
- The ability of each parent to provide the child with guidance, affection and love
- The ability of each parent to meet the child’s material needs, such as food, shelter and clothing
- How long the child has lived in a stable environment and whether maintaining the status quo is beneficial
- The stability or permanence of each parent’s family unit
- The moral fitness of each parent
- The physical and mental health of each parent
- The child’s performance record at home, in school and within the community
- The preferences of the child, if they are old and mature enough to express them
- The willingness of each parent to support the other’s relationship with the child
- Any history of domestic violence that targeted a child or that they witnessed
- Any other factor deemed relevant by the courts
The courts may order a professional custody evaluation to provide better insight into familial circumstances and the needs of the child.
How Is Custody Decided?
Parents have the option of settling with one another. The courts can review and approve the terms they set. If they disagree, then a judge considers the best interests of the child, which requires a review of specific factors outlined in state law.
What Is Joint Custody?
Joint custody in Michigan involves sharing physical custody. Parents also share legal decision-making authority. Each parent can make decisions about day-to-day matters during their parenting time, but they may need to agree on major decisions.
At What Age Can A Child Express Custody Preferences?
There is no specific age for a child’s preferences in a Michigan custody case. Teenagers and younger children can explain their wishes if they are mature enough and provide well-reasoned responses.
What Is The Shared Economic Responsibility Formula (SERF) In Michigan?
If each parent has the child for at least 128 overnights, the SERF helps modify child support calculations to better reflect the paying parent’s substantial contributions during their parenting time.
What If One Parent Moves To Another State?
Parents intending to relocate out of Michigan must secure permission from the courts or their co-parent in advance. A custody modification is likely necessary.
What Are Reasonable Expectations For Child Care?
Child care should come from a safe, licensed provider with appropriate child-to-staff ratios and consistent daily routines.
Contact Our Firm Today
If you are contemplating a divorce or have been served with a complaint for divorce and have concerns about how it will impact your time and relationship with your children, then schedule a confidential consultation with experienced Michigan child custody attorney Michael A. Robbins. Call us at 248-646-7980, or fill out our intake form on our Contact page. Located in Bloomfield Hills, Mr. Robbins accepts cases in the Tri-County area of Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties and throughout the state.