Michigan Family Lawyer Handling Child Custody Matters

At the Law Office of James D. Veldhuis, P.C., we understand that child custody disputes can be very sensitive and emotional matters. When resolving child custody disputes, we work to achieve solutions that are both realistic and in the best interest of the children and families involved.

We have been providing skilled legal representation for individuals and families in Central Michigan for more than 28 years. Contact our offices today to discuss your legal concerns with an experienced family law attorney.

Handling All Aspects of Child Custody Disputes

We represent families through all stages of child custody matters. During a divorce or separation, we help our clients create child custody arrangements and determine visitation or parenting time schedules. We help establish child support levels in accordance with Michigan's statutory child support guidelines after factoring in parental income and the proposed child custody arrangement.

Understanding The Best Interest of a Child

Many different factors are considered when determining custody, parenting time, modifications, and related matters. Although the relative weight of each factor varies based upon the individual circumstances, the ultimate goal is always to achieve a solution that is in the child's best interest.

Under Michigan law, the court can consider the following factors when making decisions affecting a child custody arrangement:

• The emotional ties between each parent and the child
• Each parent's ability to give the child love, affection and guidance
• Each parent's ability to care for the child's physical needs, such as food, clothing and medical care
• The length of time the child has lived in a stable environment
• The permanence of the existing custodial home
• The moral fitness of each parent
• The mental and physical health of each parent
• The home, school, and community record of the child
• In some cases, the child's wishes
• Each parent's willingness to encourage the child's relationship with the other parent

We will help you understand these factors and the ways in which these factors can impact your case. Child custody lawyer James Veldhuis offers personal one-on-one attention to give each client peace of mind during difficult custody battles.

Post-Divorce Changes of Custody and Support

Sometimes the custody arrangement that the parents agreed to (or the court ordered) don't work later in a child's life. Significant changes in circumstances can make initial custody and support orders unfair later. After child custody and child support have been established by the court, we represent clients who seek to modify these arrangements in motions to modify custody or support.

Contact our offices today for a free initial telephone consultation regarding your child custody concerns.