Practice Areas

Jackson, Mississippi, Child Custody Attorney

Perhaps the hardest aspect of getting a divorce or legal separation is determining how to best serve the needs of the children involved. At such an emotionally difficult time — when you are experiencing pain, frustration and anger — it is easy to lose the focus of providing stability for your kids. Too often, they may become pawns moved about between parents.

You understand the difficulty your children are going through in dealing with your divorce and you want to provide them with the same security they once enjoyed. Contact Jackson child custody attorney Sam Brand, Jr. to discuss how we can help you to serve your children’s best interests.

Michigan Child Custody Laws

The court no longer uses the presumption that children should automatically be awarded to the mother in child custody disputes. Fathers have equal right and opportunity to be awarded child custody, visitation and child support payments. Under Michigan's child custody laws, custody agreements or court orders must be in the best interest of the children involved. In order to determine the child's best interest, the court may consider a number of factors (known as Albright Factors), such as:

• The education of each parent
• The morality of each parent
• Financial earnings and stability of each parent
• Support and stability within the community
• Nurturing and health care needs of the children
• The age of the children
• Other factors

After evaluating these factors, the court may determine to award sole custody or joint custody. Legal custody, which refers to the ability to make major decisions (schooling, religion, major health care decisions, etc.), is usually awarded jointly to both parents. Physical custody, which refers to the residence of the child, may be awarded either jointly (the child spends time with both parents) or solely (the child resides with one parent and the non-custodial parent is awarded visitation rights ).

Experienced Child Custody Lawyer — On Your Side

Securing physical custody of your children can be one of the most important things you can accomplish in your divorce. If your former spouse is unable to care for the needs of your children due to physical limitations or emotional dysfunction, this becomes even more vital. To protect the rights of you and your children, call our office today — our experience can work for you.

To schedule a free initial consultation, contact Mississippi child custody lawyer Sam Brand today.