Child Custody

Lansing Child Custody Lawyer

At the office of Bailey Smith & Bailey, PC, our lawyers and staff are dedicated to helping clients understand the legal implications of their child custody and/or visitation situation. We take the time to educate clients on their rights and options to help them make informed decisions about their cases. Our attorneys are experienced in family court and aggressively pursue a resolution that best suits your specific situation.

• At the beginning of a divorce, temporary parenting time should be established right away. This gives the parties structured access to the children throughout the course of the divorce.
• Joint legal custody is a type of child custody in which rights are given to one parent or both in order to be involved in any decisions that must be made for the child.
• Joint physical custody is guided by the best interests of the child, and governs where the child will spend his or her physical time.
• Formerly (and still frequently) known as visitation, parenting time is the time spent with the child. Parenting time often has an impact on how custody may be awarded.
• According to the Michigan Child Custody Act, there are 12 specific factors that affect custody. Our lawyers have an extensive understanding of these factors and can effectively explain how they may affect your case.
• One area of custody that often arises is relocation or change of domicile. We provide representation to parents wishing to relocate and take their children with them outside Michigan. Specific guidelines must be followed when seeking a modification to the custody order based on relocation. Our firm has an abundance of experience handling this type of issue.

To learn more about general child custody issues, please see our Child Custody and Visitation Center page.

Contact a child custody lawyer at the office of Bailey Smith & Bailey, PC, today. We offer a free phone consultation at 517.349.2800 so you can learn more about how our firm, serving the Tri-County and Mid-Michigan area including Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Jackson, Livingston and Shiawasee counties, helps clients retain their custody and child visitation rights.