Custody

A physical custody order specifies with whom the child shall live. In deciding the custodial arrangements, the court must consider the following factors of the Michigan Child Custody Act:

• The love, affection and other emotional ties existing between the parties involved with the child.
• The capacity and disposition of the parties involved to give the child love, affection, and guidance.
• The capacity and disposition of the parties involved to provide food clothing, medical care, or remedial care.
• The length of time the child has lived in a stable satisfactory environment.
• The permanence as a family unit of the existing home or 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 deems the child to be of sufficient age to express preference.
• The willingness and ability of each of the parents to facilitate and encourage a close parent-child relationship.
• Domestic violence, regardless of whether directed at or witnessed by the minor child.
• Any other factor considered by the court to be relevant to a particular child custody dispute.