What Does ‘Best Interests of the Child’ Mean?

If you are going through divorce proceedings with children involved, at some point you will hear the phrase “in the best interests of the child.” This legal term has a particular meaning in the state of Michigan. The Law Firm of Victoria understands that what the court eventually decides and your feelings about what is best for your child at times may seem at odds with each other. Our child custody lawyers in Oakland, Michigan are experienced in presenting the facts so that the court gets all the information it needs to make wise decisions on your child’s behalf.

Issues Shaping the Court’s Decision

Michigan state law charges the court to serve your child’s welfare. In divorce cases, placating both parents while satisfying this duty to the child can prove quite challenging. Many factors influence how the court makes decisions affecting your child, but some of the most significant considerations include:

  • Ability to Provide: The court determines if one parent is more financially able to supply the child with physical necessities like food, shelter, clothing and medical care.
  • Emotional Bond: Does one parent have a closer relationship with the child than the other? The court closely examines the personal relationship with the parents and child to determine what it thinks will be best for the child emotionally.
  • Cooperative Parenting: Whenever possible, the court will decide to place a child with the parent that shows the most potential in attempting to work out a joint parenting agreement.

    • The court has substantial leeway to scrutinize any other situations or variables that it determines is helpful or detrimental to the healthy upbringing of the child. Any incidences of domestic violence, the general stability of the households and the mental and physical fitness of the parents play an essential part in how the court ultimately decides.

    We Are Ready To Help

    The child custody attorneys at The Law Firm of Victoria are experienced in presenting the facts in a way that helps the court bring you a favorable decision. Like you, we put the wellbeing of your children first. Call us at (248) 723-1600 to set up a consultation today for only $85.

    Testimonials

    • The Law Firm of Victoria, P.C. “I want to thank you for taking the time out of your busy practice to review the status of my legal proceedings and for offering your advice in how to go forward. Obviously, my biggest mistake was in not retaining you at the onset”
    • The Law Firm of Victoria, P.C. “It’s been a year since I contacted your firm, which I heard about on the radio. I received excellent representation from the Attorneys. All is good, and I can actually say better that I had hoped and I just wanted to take this opportunity to say THANKS!”
    • The Law Firm of Victoria, P.C. “With your law firm and her help I made it through the divorce process and now I am finally happy once again.”
    • The Law Firm of Victoria, P.C. “I want to thank all of you who gave so unselfishly to help me get my dignity back… You fought to the very end for the best possible conclusion. Thank you for all you accomplished for me.”
    • The Law Firm of Victoria, P.C. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I appreciate your kindness, professionalism and patience. You are truly a blessing.”
    • The Law Firm of Victoria, P.C. “You have been a great help for me and have opened my eyes to a lot of new information and I am very thankful for you and the Law Firm of Victoria.”
    • The Law Firm of Victoria, P.C. “I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate all your hard work and dedication — you went above and beyond to write the order and work with everyone to get the document signed and filed with the court. I greatly appreciate everything that you have done”
    • The Law Firm of Victoria, P.C. “I’m not sure where to begin in expressing my gratitude, appreciation, and respect for the professional yet personal way you walked beside me during my divorce… I felt as though I wasn’t just another case, I felt that my life and I mattered.”
    • The Law Firm of Victoria, P.C. “You fought for me in meetings and at mediation as if your happiness depended on it and I am eternally grateful.”
    • The Law Firm of Victoria, P.C. “Very thorough, good, honest advice. I really liked the gentleness and candor of both attorneys.”
    • The Law Firm of Victoria, P.C. “You are awesome, my mind was put at ease in some areas and I am panicked in others, which is good!”
    • The Law Firm of Victoria, P.C. Dear Dennis, Thank you so much for your generous kindness, support, and care for my case! I really appreciate it. May God bless your firm and may more people get help from you. Many thanks!
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