Custody

Father and Child Blowing Bubbles

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.