If you’re preparing to engage in a child custody battle in Michigan, you should educate yourself as much as you can on what to anticipate and how to approach this situation. It is only reasonable to feel strongly about winning the custody agreement because you want to ensure that your child receives the best care that you believe is best for them. However, winning a child custody battle requires more than just zeal. Here are some tips that can have a major impact on the outcome of your custody battle that can assist you to make sure you approach it correctly.
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How Do Child Custody Battles Go in Michigan?
The first thing to do in child custody battles is to prepare. You need to be familiar with your county’s Friend of the Court (FOC) office and the factors in Michigan custody decisions and have a legal professional review your paperwork. After the preparation, the legal proceedings for custody begin. You need to take note that if you’re not married to the other parent, you will be required to submit or confirm paternity. The third step will be the parenting class, where parents will complete a parenting class called SMILE for married parents and COPE for unmarried parents. The fourth step is temporary orders, where parents agree on an arrangement, and temporary orders will be prepared for parents to submit for court approval.
The fifth step is mediation, where a neutral third party comes in to help parents compromise. The sixth is discovery. Here, parents prepare for their final hearing, and information about what they plan to present and request is exchanged. The seventh step, the final custody hearing, is where both parents have the opportunity to present evidence and question a witness in front of a judge. Lastly, the final orders spell out the legal rules that parents must follow until their child turns 18 or becomes an adult on their own.
Tips to Remember During the Custody Battle
The first thing to remember is that you should consult with experts. Consult with legal specialists who know this subject if you want to have any chance of succeeding and getting the desired outcome.
Second, you need to stick to the truth. Be honest and open with your lawyer because they need the truth to have any chance of fighting a winning battle. Take the moral high ground and fight the case based on facts and reality.
The most important thing to remember is that you should document everything. Organize and ensure that you know how to present the evidence later on. Throughout the custody dispute, keep records and physical copies of any crucial papers.
Michigan Lawyers’ Advice for Gaining Child Custody
If your relationship ends and you have a child, you’ll need to agree on where your child will live. As a result, the court must assess the parents’ intent or sincerity to determine their suitability as custodians. Furthermore, any continued abuse or criminal charges against the parent will make granting child custody difficult. Whatever circumstances fit you in this situation, you must consult with your lawyer to determine the best course of action.
To immediately get child custody, contact Goldman and Associates Law Firm. We have skilled attorneys on board who can assist you before, during, and after any legal proceedings. Book an appointment for immediate legal action.