Co-Parenting App for Michigan Parents

What Michigan courts consider in custody decisions

Michigan's Child Custody Act defines 12 best interest factors: the love and emotional ties between parent and child, each parent's capacity to provide love, guidance, and continuity of education, the permanence of the existing or proposed custodial home, the moral fitness of the parties, the mental and physical health of the parties, the reasonable preference of the child, the willingness of each parent to facilitate a close relationship with the other parent, domestic violence, and any other relevant factor.

How the custody process works in Michigan

Michigan custody matters are handled in the Family Division of Circuit Court. The Friend of the Court (FOC) — a unique Michigan institution — investigates custody disputes and makes recommendations to the judge. The FOC conducts interviews, home visits, and reviews records before issuing a written recommendation. Parents can object to the FOC recommendation and request a de novo hearing before the judge.

Key Michigan custody statutes

• Mich. Comp. Laws § 722.23
• Mich. Comp. Laws § 722.26a
• Mich. Comp. Laws § 722.27
• Mich. Comp. Laws § 722.31
• Mich. Comp. Laws § 552.505