Going through a divorce is painful for everyone involved, but especially for the children. Even if it ends up being the best solution for everyone when there are fundamental conflicts between the parents that cannot be resolved, it will still have profound effects on the children.
Depending on how the couple handles the divorce and how much communication they maintain with the children, especially those who are old enough to understand what is happening, the children of divorce can adjust to a new normal after the divorce is final. What is not healthy for the children is for them to remain in a household where there is unresolved and frequent fighting, or where there is domestic violence.
Who will get custody?
The judge will make a decision on custody arrangements in Michigan based on what is in the best interest of the child. Among the factors that he will weigh are:
- the emotional ties that are between the child and each parent
- the capacity of each parent to provide love and affection to the child and to properly house them in an adequate home environment with basic food, clothing and medical care
- the moral, mental and physical fitness of each parent
- the child’s preference, if he or she is of the age to decide
- the willingness of each parent to encourage or facilitate bonding with the other parent
- a history of violence or neglect
The judge will make his ruling based on what is best for the overall wellbeing of the child and whether there should be joint or sole custody that is legal or physical. Physical custody is granted to the parent with whom the child will live a majority of the time, and legal custody may be given to one or both parents that allows them to make decisions concerning the child’s educational, religious and medical needs.
The importance of providing for your child after divorce
During the divorce proceeding, important asset allocation between the two parties in Michigan is based on the doctrine of equitable distribution. The court will rule on a fair, but not necessarily equal, distribution of marital assets.
The outcomes of these determinations as well as decisions concerning child support and alimony can profoundly affect the financial security of children of divorce. Of course, it is preferable for couples in Livonia to come to an amicable settlement. But when this is not possible, it is essential to have compassionate and dedicated legal representation who will fight for your right to provide for your children’s emotional and financial needs both during and after divorce.
