[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/im-a-divorcing-father-what-are-my-child-custody-rights\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/im-a-divorcing-father-what-are-my-child-custody-rights\/","headline":"I’m a Divorcing Father. What Are My Child Custody Rights?","name":"I’m a Divorcing Father. What Are My Child Custody Rights?","description":"Divorce can be a turbulent time, and determining custody can be stressful for divorcing parents. It\u2019s essential to understand what Michigan law says about fathers\u2019 rights. Knowing your rights can help you make informed decisions for yourself and your child.\u00a0 … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a>","datePublished":"2024-02-14","dateModified":"2025-05-28","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/author\/nmichlaw\/#Person","name":"Alward Fisher","url":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/author\/nmichlaw\/","identifier":10,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/63071aa228c966abd886a2cbb647b07806c39706d3fbac14fe9c4c475edc7457?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/63071aa228c966abd886a2cbb647b07806c39706d3fbac14fe9c4c475edc7457?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Alward Fisher","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/logo-fisher.png","url":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/logo-fisher.png","width":288,"height":103}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Alward-Fisher-template-16.png","url":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Alward-Fisher-template-16.png","height":600,"width":600},"url":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/im-a-divorcing-father-what-are-my-child-custody-rights\/","about":["Divorce"],"wordCount":521,"articleBody":"Divorce can be a turbulent time, and determining custody can be stressful for divorcing parents. It\u2019s essential to understand what Michigan law says about fathers\u2019 rights. Knowing your rights can help you make informed decisions for yourself and your child.\u00a0Child Custody Act and Michigan Custody LawsThe Child Custody Act dictates parental rights in Michigan. This maps out the legal guidance for defining, determining, and assigning custody arrangements. According to the law, each parent has a right to custody of their child.A few factors the court will evaluate when determining custody include:The individual parent\u2019s ability to provide and care for the child.The homes and other living environments of the parents.The ongoing relationship the child has with both parents.What the child wants, within reason.If the child saw or experienced domestic violence.Additionally, the court can bring in other non-general factors specific to an individual\u2019s situation that they find relevant when creating a custody agreement. Michigan custody laws do not prioritize or favor the father\u2019s rights over the mother’s. The focus is on the child, their rights, and their relationship with their parents.\u00a0Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody\u00a0In Michigan, there\u2019s legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody gives a parent the authority to make decisions on their child\u2019s behalf. Legal custody decisions typically include anything concerning the child\u2019s well-being, such as their education and after-school activities. Both parents can have joint legal custody over their children.\u00a0A parent whose child lives with them is said to have physical custody. Both parents can have joint physical custody, but the child may not spend equal time with both parents due to factors like the child’s school day. Typically, a predetermined schedule outlines when a child spends time with each parent and is specific to the lifestyles of both parents and the child.\u00a0Tips for Michigan Fathers Facing Divorce\u00a0A judge will assess various factors when determining a custody arrangement. Still, crucial elements include how well the child’s parents can agree on the details of their custody arrangement and the child’s best interests.Generally speaking, joint custody is suggested if both parents agree on a legal and physical joint custody arrangement. If the parents agree, a judge will approve the agreement.\u00a0Continue to play an active role in your child\u2019s life throughout divorce proceedings. Because Michigan custody laws emphasize the child\u2019s relationship with their parents, it\u2019s crucial to demonstrate to a judge that you have satisfactory parenting capabilities. Maintaining as much normalcy and balance as possible for your child is also essential.\u00a0Contact our Michigan Child Custody Lawyer Today\u00a0Talking to an experienced child custody lawyer can provide you with a tailored plan to help you navigate the road ahead. At Alward Fisher, we understand that going through a divorce can be stressful and overwhelming. Our dedicated legal team will give you guidance and stability during a challenging time.\u00a0 Contact our office today for a consultation.This post was originally published in December 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in February 2024. "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"I’m a Divorcing Father. 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