Fathers in Michigan often worry that the legal system may not view their parental role on equal footing, especially during custody disputes. However, Michigan law recognizes that children benefit from strong relationships with both parents. If you are a father navigating a custody matter, understanding your rights can help you protect your time, your voice, and your relationship with your child. At Michigan Attorney Don E. Burch, we assist fathers in Okemos and surrounding communities with navigating the custody process and asserting their parental rights.

Equal Standing Under Michigan Law

Michigan law does not favor mothers or fathers in custody cases. Both parents begin on equal legal ground, and the court’s primary focus is the child’s best interests. When determining custody, courts consider factors such as emotional ties, stability of the home, each parent’s ability to provide care, and the child’s overall well-being.

This means that as a father, you have the same right as the mother to request custody, parenting time, and decision-making authority. The court will not assume one parent is more suitable based on gender.

Your Right to Seek Legal and Physical Custody

Fathers can pursue both legal and physical custody.

• Legal custody allows you to participate in major decisions affecting your child’s education, medical care, and upbringing.
• Physical custody determines where the child lives and how day-to-day care is provided.

Michigan courts often favor joint legal custody when both parents can communicate and cooperate. Fathers can also receive primary physical custody if the evidence supports it.

Your Right to Meaningful Parenting Time

Michigan law promotes frequent and continuing contact with both parents. You have the right to request a parenting time schedule that supports strong, consistent involvement in your child’s life. Parenting time orders can include regular visits, holidays, vacations, and communication guidelines.

If the other parent is keeping the child from you without a valid reason, you may seek enforcement through the court.

Your Right to Challenge False Allegations

Sometimes custody disputes involve accusations that can negatively impact a father’s rights. You have the right to present evidence, request evaluations, and challenge any claims that are unjustified. Courts examine the accuracy and credibility of accusations before considering them in custody decisions.

Your Right to Modify Custody or Parenting Time

If your circumstances or your child’s needs have changed, you can request a modification of custody or parenting time. Michigan allows modifications when there is a significant change that affects the child’s well-being.

How an Attorney Can Support You

Custody cases can be emotional and complicated, especially when you are trying to protect your relationship with your child. At Michigan Attorney Don E. Burch, we work with fathers in Okemos to build strong cases, present evidence effectively, and pursue arrangements that reflect your role in your child’s life.