WHAT ARE THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD?

by Justin Van Den Heuvel

In all custody and visitation decisions regarding a child, the court frames its decision through the lens of what is in the best interests of the child. But what exactly are the factors considered when determining what is in a child’s best interest? Knowing what the court looks for in these types of decisions can be incredibly beneficial for you and your child if you need to make the argument that your child belongs with you. At the Van Den Heuvel Law Office, our experienced family law attorneys have helped many clients throughout Michigan with this and other difficult legal questions. To learn more about what the court considers as the best interests of your child, call or contact our office today for a free consultation.

Best Interests of the Child

The “best interests” tool is utilized by the Michigan court whenever there is an issue involving a child. This includes initial custody and visitation hearings, relocation requests, and modification to existing parenting agreements. The factors considered by the court when determining whether an action is in the best interests of the child can be found in the state statutes. The judge will weigh as many factors as are applicable in your case against each other in order to determine what is in the best interests of your child. These factors include the following: 

• The existing bond between the parents and the child
• The capacity of the parents to give the child-loving care e as well as continue their academic and religious education
• The capacity of the parents to provide the child with necessary food and medical care or any other needs
• The duration for which a parent has provided a stable environment
• The permanence of the home
• The moral fitness of the parents
• The mental and physical health of the parents
• The child’s history at his or her current school and community
• The child’s wishes, if the child is old enough to express them
• The willingness and ability of the parents to foster the parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent (unless protecting the child from domestic or sexual violence)
• Domestic violence of any kind against any person

Understanding what factors the court considers when making decisions regarding your child can help best position you to argue your case to the judge. An experienced attorney can help craft the most compelling arguments for why it is in your child’s best interests to be with you.

Call or Contact Us Now

To learn more about what the court looks at when making decisions regarding your child’s care and wellbeing, talk to an experienced family law attorney at the Van Den Heuvel Law Office today. Call or contact us to schedule a free consultation of your case today with a zealous Michigan legal advocate who has you are your child’s best interests at heart.

Posted in Child Custody, Family Law | No Comments »