Kalamazoo
Phone: 269-324-3000
Fax: 269-324-3010

Grand Rapids
Phone: 616-254-8400
Fax: 616-254-8410

Battle Creek
Phone: 269-966-3000
Fax: 269-966-3022

Lansing
Phone: 517-316-9000
Fax: 517-482-9006

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Child Custody and Support

Michigan lawyers who understand the impact of divorce on your children

At Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, P.C., our attorneys recognize that children are extremely vulnerable during divorce. We help you achieve custody and support awards that serve your children's best interests and allow you to comfortably fulfill your role as a parent. Our firm has handled complex custody disputes, including issues of children with special needs.

Child custody and visitation

Michigan family law makes a presumption of joint child custody. It is assumed that a child's needs are best served by the active engagement of two parents. The court establishes shared parenting time unless there is compelling evidence that this would not be in the best interest of the child. When allocating parenting time, the judge considers:

  • Special circumstances or needs of the child
  • Whether the child is nursing
  • Likelihood of abuse or neglect of the child
  • Likelihood of abuse of a parent
  • Inconvenience of travel for the child
  • Whether a parent can reasonably be expected to exercise the parenting time ordered
  • Past history of a parent's failure to make use of parenting time
  • The threatened or actual detention of the child

The judge may also consider any other relevant factors, so you need to have strong legal representation to make your case for a fair share of parenting time.

Child support

The parent with the greater share of parenting time typically receives child support payments. Support is available until a child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes last. Payments are not required beyond age 19 ½ unless the child has special needs.

Michigan family courts make three types of child support awards:

  • Base support obligation. For this award, the estimated cost of raising a child in Michigan is adjusted for the number of children to be supported, the income of both parents, and the balance of parenting time.
  • Medical support. At least one parent must provide health insurance for each child, and both parents must share the cost of the premiums. The parent making support payments must also contribute to payment of additional medical expenses.
  • Childcare support. The parent paying child support must contribute to the other parent's childcare costs.

Our experienced lawyers help ensure that the support award provides your child with the resources to thrive.

Let our lawyers help you protect your child's best interests

Take action to preserve your child custody rights. Contact Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, P.C.