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Helping You Through High-Conflict Child Custody Disagreements

In the process of resolving a child custody dispute, the courts will always seek to accommodate the best interests of the child first and foremost. Michigan law gives the court a great deal of latitude in these matters and the judge’s decisions are binding.

Parents have rights that need to be considered in these matters, and the assistance of an experienced attorney can help to ensure that they are protected. At Lana Panagoulia Law, PLLC, we represent clients on all sides of high-conflict custody disputes. We commit ourselves to find a solution that recognizes the rights of everyone concerned.

“A few years ago, I was having trouble with my ex-wife involving custody of my son. Several actions were committed by my ex-wife that directly related to my son’s safety and well-being. I called Lana on a Thursday morning and after hearing what my case was, she immediately began preparing motions and the very next day, I was in front of the judge pleading my case. I was immediately granted temporary custody of my son and two weeks later, I was ultimately granted permanent full custody of my son. I could not have done this without Lana’s professionalism and prompt services. I would highly recommend that you contact Lana Panagoulia if you are ever in need of a great attorney.” — Anonymous client on AVVO’s

Michigan Custody Dispute Lawyer

If a child custody dispute is between the parents or between third persons, the best interests of the child control.

Michigan law is concerned with promoting the best interests of the child. The Michigan Child Custody Act, MCL 722.21 et seq. and specifically at MCL 722.23 states that the “12 best interest factors” are:

(a) The love, affection and other emotional ties existing between the parties involved and the child.

(b) The capacity and disposition of the parties involved to give the child love, affection, and guidance and to continue the education and raising of the child in his or her religion or creed, if any.

(c) The capacity and disposition of the parties involved to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care or other remedial care recognized and permitted under the laws of this state in place of medical care and other material needs.

(d) The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity.

(e) The permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or proposed custodial home or homes.

(f) The moral fitness of the parties involved.

(g) The mental and physical health of the parties involved.

(h) The home, school, and community record of the child.

(i) The reasonable preference of the child, if the court considers the child to be of sufficient age to express a preference.

(j) The willingness and ability of each of the parties to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent or the child and the parents.

(k) Domestic violence, regardless of whether the violence was directed against or witnessed by the child.

(l) Any other factor considered by the court to be relevant to a particular child custody dispute.

MCL 722.23

In pursuit of protecting the best interests of the child, a family law judge has a number of options available in disputed custody matters. The judge can decide to award custody of the child to one parent exclusively or to both parents jointly. If there is a concern for the child’s welfare under the care of the biological parents, the court can award custody to other parties. In addition, provisions can be made at the court’s discretion for parenting time by grandparents and others who have legal standing.

We understand how important these cases are and the impact that the outcome can have. When you hire our firm, we take the time to listen to your concerns and gain a complete understanding of your goals. We build a customized strategy specifically designed to meet the challenges of your case and do everything we can to resolve the matter in a way that benefits you.

“I regained custody of my children, and for a male in Lenawee County, that was quite a feat! … If at any point anyone ever has to endure the anguish, anxiety, depression, uneasiness, and sorrow that is involved with… an unexpected divorce and eventual child custody [dispute], … I encourage you to seek Lana’s help, guidance and advice.” — Anonymous client on AVVO’s

Schedule A Consultation With Our Attorney

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with our Michigan contested divorce lawyer. You can reach our office at Lana Panagoulia Law, PLLC or via email.

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