Genesee County Child Custody Law in Michigan

Child Custody Lawyers in Flint, MI: Advocating for Fathers' Rights

When you're facing a custody battle in Michigan, especially as a father, having the proper legal support makes all the difference. At ADAM, we focus on representing men in divorce and family law cases, providing strong legal guidance to protect your rights and ensure your relationship with your children remains a priority.

Whether you're navigating custody during a divorce or establishing rights outside of marriage, our child custody lawyers in Flint, MI, are here to help you fight for the outcome your family deserves.

Understanding Michigan Child Custody Law

In Michigan, custody decisions are always guided by the child's best interests. This legal standard considers multiple factors that affect a child's well-being, not just what a parent wants.

Both parents have equal legal rights until a divorce is finalized or a custody order is issued. Depending on what's deemed best for the child, the court can award custody to either parent or both.

What Does the Court Consider in Custody Decisions?

The court must evaluate several statutory factors before issuing a custody ruling. These include:

The love, affection, and other emotional ties existing between the parties involved and the child
The capacity and disposition of the parties involved to give the child love, affection, and guidance, and continuation of the educating and raising of the child in its religion or creed, if any
The capacity and disposition of the parties involved to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care, or other remedial care recognized and permitted under the laws of this state in place of medical care and other material needs
The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity
The permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or proposed custodial home or homes
The moral fitness of the parties involved
The mental and physical health of the parties involved
The home, school, and community records of the child
The reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child to be of sufficient age to express a preference
The willingness and ability of each of the parents to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent
Any other factors considered by the court to be relevant to a particular child custody dispute

Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody

In Michigan, custody is divided into two categories: legal and physical. Legal custody gives a parent the authority to make significant decisions about the child's life, such as education, medical care, and religious upbringing. Physical custody refers to where the child lives and who is responsible for day-to-day care.

A parent can have legal custody, physical custody, or both. The two don't always go hand in hand, and it's important to understand how each type of custody affects your rights and responsibilities.

Joint Custody vs. Sole Custody?

Michigan law also separates custody into joint and sole arrangements.

Sole custody means one parent has full legal and physical custody. The other parent may still receive parenting time, but they don't have decision-making authority regarding the child's upbringing.
Joint custody allows both parents to share responsibilities. In most joint arrangements, both parents participate in major decisions and often have a parenting schedule that lets the child spend meaningful time with each parent.

Joint custody doesn't always mean equal time, but it does require both parents to work together in the child's best interest. At ADAM, we'll help you understand what custody arrangement makes the most sense for your family and how to protect your rights as a father.

Parenting Time and Visitation

Parenting time, formerly called visitation, is typically granted to the non-custodial parent. Every county in Michigan, including Genesee, has its own guidelines, but parenting time plans are tailored to fit your child's needs and your family's circumstances.

The court considers factors like:

Work schedules
The age of the child
School and extracurricular activities
Distance between the parents' homes
Holidays and summer vacations

Parenting time orders can be as general or detailed as necessary, depending on the relationship between parents. Regardless of your situation with the other parent, your child needs you now more than ever. Our custody lawyers will work to make sure your role in their life is protected and prioritized.

Michigan Paternity Law: Fathers Have Rights

If you're being denied access to your child or facing paternity questions, it's time to take action. Whether you're unsure about paternity, fighting false claims, or trying to gain custody or parenting time, you need a legal advocate who understands what you're up against.

At ADAM, we focus on helping fathers navigate a system that often feels stacked against them. We know the legal strategies that work and how to challenge the unfair biases men frequently face in family court. Let us help you level the playing field and fight for your rights as a father.

Learn More About Your Custody Rights as a Father

From legal strategy to court expectations, explore our blog for insights on Michigan child custody laws, especially those affecting fathers.

Rights for Fathers Seeking Full Custody

In general, a father has the same right to full custody of a child as the child's mother. Men technically don't face greater challenges when trying to achieve full custody. However, the man has historically been the "breadwinner" in American families. If a man has a highly demanding work schedule and the child is not yet school-aged, a family court may worry that the father will not have enough time to manage full custody of the child...

Your Child Custody Questions, Answered

Do I need a lawyer for child custody?

Yes—having a lawyer for a child custody case is one of the most important steps you can take, especially as a father. These cases are complex, and decisions can shape your relationship with your child for years.

Without legal guidance, making mistakes that could cost you parenting time or decision-making rights is easy. Our firm focuses on helping men in custody disputes and understands how to present your case effectively so your voice is heard.

Request a confidential consultation today to learn more about how our child custody attorneys in Flint can protect your rights and help you pursue the best outcome for you and your children.

Who pays attorney fees in child custody cases?

In most Michigan custody cases, each party is responsible for their own legal fees. However, the court has discretion to order one parent to contribute to the other's fees in situations involving financial disparity or misconduct during the case.

If your ex is dragging out the process or intentionally increasing costs, we can help you request the court to intervene. We'll also work with you to create a cost-conscious legal strategy that protects your rights without breaking the bank.

Can you get a court-appointed attorney for child custody?

Generally, no court-appointed attorneys are provided in standard custody disputes between two parents. These are considered private legal matters, so each party is expected to retain its own attorney.

Court-appointed lawyers are typically reserved for cases involving abuse, neglect, or where the state is seeking to terminate parental rights. If you're worried about affording representation, we're here to discuss your options and work toward a solution that fits your situation.

What not to say in child custody mediation?

Avoid speaking negatively about your child's other parent, even if emotions are running high. Family courts and mediators are looking for signs that you can co-parent effectively and keep your child's needs at the center of every decision.

Statements that come across as hostile, selfish, or controlling can hurt your credibility. Focus on your strengths as a parent, show a willingness to communicate, and stay calm—even if the other side doesn't.

How to get full custody of a child?

To get full custody in Michigan, you need to show the court that it's in your child's best interest to live primarily with you and that you're best equipped to meet their emotional, physical, and developmental needs. This can include proving the other parent is unfit, unavailable, or unable to provide a stable home environment.

As a father, you may face assumptions about your role, but with the right legal support, those biases can be challenged. A child custody lawyer can help you build a strong case backed by facts, evidence, and a clear plan for your child's well-being.