Our law firm serves clients in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and throughout southwest Michigan.

Grand Rapids Family Law Attorneys

Our Law Firm Serves Clients In Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo And Throughout Southwest Michigan.
Experienced criminal defense lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI providing aggressive representation for criminal charges.

Adoptions And Guardianships

Adoption and guardianship matters can be complex. Choose an attorney who has been through the process and knows how to help you. Lawyers at our firm have a wealth of experience with these matters. They are experienced attorneys can guide you through every step of the process while protecting your rights.

Putting Your Interests First

In these and in all other family law matters here, we keep the interests of our clients and their families foremost in our minds. We understand very well that family conflicts can place our clients and their loved ones in uncertain and even frightening situations. We work hard to minimize our clients’ need to deal with these issues themselves. Instead, we encourage them to place these matters in our hands so they can tend to the emotional needs of their families.

 

Grand Rapids Family Attorneys Representing Michigan Residents

At David G. Moore, Attorney at Law, our legal professionals encourage all our clients to think of them as problem-solvers super lawyers who care. Our lawyers use this approach in all our dealings with clients.

Ultimately, our team’s goal is to provide clients with the legal advice they need to make intelligent, well-considered decisions with respect to their legal options and their families’ well-being.

Additional Practice Areas

In addition, our firm represents Criminal Defense including such cases as ___

 

Divorce And Related Matters

We represent clients in divorces, separations and related issues that include parenting time and child custody, child support, division of property and related matters. We also focus on protecting fathers’ rights and grandparents’ rights during and after divorce proceedings. The division of business interests in divorce cases can be particularly complex, but our firm is well-versed in navigating these challenges and valuing business interests as part of the marital property division.

Post-Divorce Modifications

Our Grand Rapids family lawyers also represent clients in petitioning the court for modifications of child support orders and contesting modifications. When the circumstances of life change, everyone in the and other family members is affected. We provide clients with sound counsel and advocacy through the modification process.

Understanding Child Custody Disputes in Grand Rapids

Understanding Legal and Physical Custody

In Michigan, child custody is divided into legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Physical custody refers to where the child will primarily reside. Custody arrangements can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

Factors Considered by the Court

When determining custody arrangements, the court considers various factors regarding parenting time, including the child’s age and health, the parents’ ability to provide for the child’s needs, the child’s relationship with each parent, any history of domestic violence or substance abuse, and the child’s preference if they are old enough to express it. The court’s primary concern is always the best interests of the child.

Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

In many cases, the court encourages parents to seek legal advice or attempt mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution to resolve custody disputes outside of court. Mediation allows parents to work with a neutral third party to negotiate a custody agreement that meets the needs of both parties and their child. Mediation can be a less adversarial and more cost-effective alternative to litigation.

Legal Representation in Custody Disputes

Navigating a Michigan child custody dispute can be complex, and having experienced legal representation is essential to protect your rights and advocate for your interests. An experienced family law attorney can help you understand your rights, gather evidence to support your case, and present compelling arguments to the court on your behalf. Your attorney can also assist in negotiating custody agreements and ensuring that any agreements reached are fair and enforceable.

Protecting Your Child’s Best Interests

At David G. Moore, Attorney at Law, we understand the sensitive nature of child custody disputes and the importance of protecting your child’s best interests. Our compassionate and knowledgeable family law attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the custody process, providing sound legal advice and strong advocacy to help you achieve a favorable outcome for your child support your family.

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Over 10,000 Cases Successfully Handled

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Top FAQs to Grand Rapids Family Law Attorneys

In Grand Rapids, child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child. The court considers various factors, including the child’s age and health, the parents’ ability to provide for the child’s needs, the child’s relationship with each parent, any history of domestic violence or substance abuse, and the child’s preference if they are old enough to express it.

Yes, it is possible to modify an existing child custody order in Grand Rapids if there has been a significant change in circumstances since the original order was issued. This could include changes in family law issues, in the child’s needs, the parents’ living situations, or other relevant factors. A family law attorney can help you petition the court for a modification and present evidence to support your request.

In Grand Rapids, grandparents may have legal rights to seek custody or visitation with children of their grandchildren under certain circumstances. Michigan law allows grandparents to petition the court for visitation rights if it is in the best interests of the child and if one of the child’s parents has died, is incarcerated, or has had their parental rights terminated.

The duration of the child custody process in Grand Rapids can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether the parents are able to reach an agreement outside of court. In some cases, custody disputes between family members may be resolved relatively quickly through negotiation or mediation. In other cases, litigation may be necessary, which can prolong the process.

If you believe your child’s other parent is unfit for custody due to factors such as substance abuse, domestic violence, or neglect, it’s essential to gather evidence to support your allegations. You can then petition the court for a modification of custody and present your evidence during the legal proceedings. A family law attorney can assist you in building a strong case and advocating for your child’s best interests in court.

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