Novi Child Custody Lawyers

Trusted legal support for parents facing child custody, relocation, and modification matters.

Child custody decisions can have a lasting impact on your relationship with your child. Whether you’re facing a new custody dispute or need to change an existing arrangement, you can turn to our Novi child custody lawyers to protect your rights and advocate for you and your child.

Our experienced, compassionate legal team at Heath & Kolomjec is here to help you navigate custody, parenting time, relocation, and other challenging family matters while keeping your child’s well-being at the forefront.

How is Child Custody Determined?

In Michigan, the court determines child custody based on the best interests of the child. They consider each family’s circumstances and look at a number of factors, such as the child’s emotional ties to each parent, each parent’s ability to provide care, and the stability of each home to come up with an arrangement that serves the child’s best interests.

In addition, the state recognizes two types of custody: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody involves making important decisions about a child’s life, such as their education and medical care. Physical custody refers to where the child lives and the amount of time they spend with each parent.

Legal and physical custody can each be awarded solely to one parent or jointly to both parents. Our Novi child custody lawyers can explain which arrangement may make sense for your unique situation and help you protect your parental rights throughout the process.

How is Parenting Time Determined?

When determining parenting time, Michigan courts may consider factors like your child’s school schedule, each parent’s work schedule, where each parent lives, and your child’s medical needs. Your parenting time schedule will depend on your family’s unique circumstances but may include alternating weekends, midweek visits, and shared holidays.

If you and your child’s other parent live far apart, your schedule may include longer periods during summer or school vacations. In some situations, such as when there are concerns about your child’s safety, a court may order supervised parenting time.

The attorneys at Heath & Kolomjec can explain your parenting time options and help you pursue a schedule that supports your child’s needs and your relationship with them.

What Happens If We Can’t Agree on Child Custody or Parenting Time?

You may not always agree with your child’s other parent about where your child should live or how parenting time should be divided. If you can’t reach an agreement, you could work with the Friend of the Court (FOC), which assists with custody and parenting time matters or participate in mediation to resolve your differences.

In the event you still can’t agree, the court may decide custody or parenting time based on your child’s best interests. Our experienced Novi child custody lawyers can help you prepare for mediation or court and advocate for your parental rights and your child’s best interests.

How Our Attorneys Help Modify Existing Child Custody Orders

At some point in time, you might need to change your child custody order. This may be because one parent relocated, your child has new medical needs, or you’re concerned about abuse or neglect. When considering a request to modify custody, the court will ultimately consider whether the proposed change is in your child’s best interests.

If you believe your custody order no longer works for your family, our Novi child custody attorneys at Heath & Kolomjec can inform you whether you have grounds to request a change and guide you through the process.

What Happens When a Parent Doesn’t Follow a Parenting Time Order?

Since a parenting time order is a court order, both parents are expected to follow it. If your child’s other parent violates the order, you may be able to ask the court to enforce it through a contempt proceeding.

Depending on the circumstances, the court may order makeup parenting time, impose fines, or modify the existing parenting time arrangement. Heath & Kolomjec’s Novi child custody lawyers can help you document the violations and take steps to enforce your parenting time rights.

What Happens If a Parent Wants to Move After a Child Custody Order is in Place?

If you want to move your child’s legal residence more than 100 miles from where they lived when your custody case began, Michigan’s 100-mile rule requires the other parent’s consent or court approval.

However, there are some exceptions. For example, the rule may not apply if you have sole legal custody. Our child custody lawyers at Heath & Kolomjec can explain how the 100-mile rule affects your situation, determine whether you need court approval, and present your case to support your child’s best interests.

Why Choose Heath & Kolomjec for Your Novi Child Custody Case

When your relationship with your child and their future are at stake, having an attorney you trust can make a difficult situation far easier to navigate. Our Novi child custody attorneys have more than 60 years of combined experience and are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for you and your child.

Contact Our Novi Child Custody Attorneys Today

If you’re facing a custody dispute or need help establishing, modifying, or enforcing a custody or parenting time order, our legal team at Heath & Kolomjec is here to help.

We’ll take the time to understand your circumstances, explain your options, and advocate for your parental rights and your child’s best interests, whether your case is resolved through an agreement, mediation, or litigation.

To get started, call (248) 428-1000 or fill out our contact form.