Your Guide And Advocate Through Difficult Times

Effective Legal Guidance In Michigan Child Custody Matters

Of all aspects of a divorce and family law, child custody is the biggest concern for parents. Every parent wants to protect their child, and no parent wants to lose the ability to spend time with their children. That is why custody and parenting time issues can be the greatest source of tension between a divorcing couple.

I am Denise A. Hirschmann, Attorney at Law, and as a mother and an attorney, it is important to me to keep families together and make sure that my clients’ parental rights are protected. For more than 25 years, I have been helping people in Macomb, Oakland, Lapeer, St. Clair, Wayne and Genesee counties with their child custody and child support issues. I know how important your children are to you, and I want to help.

To arrange a free initial consultation, please call my office in Clinton Township at 586-307-4384 or complete my contact form. I offer flexible services, including virtual consultations, and I am available on evenings and weekends by appointment.

Understanding Child Custody In Michigan

Courts in Michigan determine child custody and parenting time based upon the best interests of the child. The court determines the best interests of a child by looking at the following factors:

  • The bond that exists between the parties involved and the child.
  • The ability to give the child love, affection and guidance, as well as continue the education and raising of the child.
  • The ability to provide food, clothing, medical care and other material needs.
  • The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment, as well as the desirability of maintaining continuity.
  • The permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or proposed custodial home.
  • The moral fitness of the parties involved.
  • The mental and physical health of the parties involved.
  • The home, school and community record of the child.
  • The reasonable preference of the child, if the court considers the child to be of sufficient age to express a preference.
  • The willingness and ability of the parties to facilitate and encourage a close relationship between the child and the other parent.
  • Domestic violence, regardless of whether the incident was directed against or witnessed by the child.
  • Any other factor considered relevant by the court.

Most courts favor joint legal custody and take a gender-blind view in applying the best interest factors. I will advise you regarding the type of evidence you need, how the evidence should be presented to the court, and the likelihood of your case prevailing — so that you can make informed decisions.

In order to relocate or have a change in domicile that is more than 100 miles away, the custodial parent must obtain the court’s permission. Not doing so could have serious ramifications. As your child custody attorney, I will fight on your behalf to make sure your parental rights are protected.

Contact My Office Today

Are you worried that you won’t ever see your children again? Don’t let that scare you from making a decision to move out of a bad relationship. I can help you through these difficult times. Please call my office in Clinton Township at 586-307-4384 or complete my contact form. I offer a free initial consultation and accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover.

I do not discriminate based on religion, gender, race, age, marital status or sexual orientation. Everyone has a right to be treated fairly and justly under the law in an unbiased manner. Let me help guide you through these difficult times and lay the foundation for a brighter future for yourself and your family.