Mark Papazian is a family law professional in Troy, Michigan. As an attorney with Giarmarco, Mullins and Horton, Mark Papazian practices in various areas of family law, including divorce and child custody.
The Michigan Custody Act of 1970 is the primary document used by state judges to settle custody disputes between parents, family members, and other guardians. The comprehensive document outlines a number of important aspects of custody law, including how a judge should determine a child’s best interests.
Above all else, custody should ideally be given to a parent capable of providing a child with love and affection. Assuming both parties meet the basic requirements of this standard, the judge may be forced to determine which parent the child has established the stronger emotional bond with. Equally important is the parent’s ability to reciprocate and demonstrate their love, specifically in areas of food, clothing, medical care, and other important material needs.
Judges will also take into account the child’s living circumstances at the time of the dispute, per the act. If the child has lived his or her entire life in the same stable home, for example, a parent remaining in this home will have preference over a parent moving to or already living in another location. Other important factors used to determine a child’s best interests include the newness or permanence of the parent's in question, the ethical fortitude of both parties, and their physical wellness as well.
