Grand Rapids Child Custody Attorneys

Comprehensive Family Law Services in Western Michigan

Family law matters can be some of the most difficult to navigate and resolve, especially when it comes to child custody cases. Custody disputes can be highly contentious and emotional, and they can leave parents feeling uncertain and anxious.

At McShane & Bowie, we understand how important it is for parents to be able to spend time with their children. We are committed to helping you protect your parental rights and work toward a resolution that is in the best interest of you and your child. We know how to navigate the legal system, and we know how to negotiate. Our firm can help you create an arrangement that is sensible and practical.

Contact our firm to schedule a consultation with our experienced child custody lawyers in Grand Rapids. Contact McShane & Bowie online or dial (616) 747-7922.

Understanding Child Custody Arrangements in Michigan

Our firm represents parents seeking either sole or joint custody. We can also help you to create an arrangement that is best for your family. Some of the most common custody arrangements in Michigan are:

• Sole custody: One parent has primary care of the child
• Joint custody: Both parents share legal and physical custody of their children
  • Joint Legal Custody: Parents share decision-making authority over major decisions affecting the child's wellbeing. The amount of time the child spends with each parent does not affect joint custody. 
  • Joint Physical Custody: Each parent will have the child with them at different times. However, unless the judge has also granted joint legal custody, this does not imply that the parents will necessarily share decision-making authority. For example, one parent could have physical custody throughout the school year, alternate weekends, and alternate holidays, while the other parent has physical custody during the summer months, alternate weekends, and alternate holidays. 
    If the judge grants joint physical custody, the court order will normally contain a schedule of when the child will live with each parent. The court ruling may require the parents to share physical custody in order for the child to have contact with both parents. During the time a child lives with a parent, that parent makes all regular and emergency decisions for the child.

Legal Support for Enforcing Child Custody Orders

Even parents who have agreed on a parenting arrangement can find themselves in disagreement. If a parent fails to comply with a custody order, qualified custody lawyers in Grand Rapids can assist you in enforcing the order through the legal system. We can submit a motion to enforce the order, and we can ask the court to hold the other parent in contempt of court for violating the order.

For compassionate legal representation and personalized attention, contact our seasoned Grand Rapids child custody attorneys at McShane & Bowie. Call (616) 747-7922.