Navigating Child Custody Disputes in Michigan: A Parent's Guide

January 17, 2025

Navigating Child Custody Disputes in Michigan: A Parent's Guide

Child custody disputes are some of the most emotionally challenging legal matters a parent can face. Whether you're going through a divorce or are an unmarried parent seeking custody, the process can feel overwhelming and stressful. Michigan courts prioritize the best interests of the child, but navigating the legal requirements and preparing for custody proceedings requires a clear understanding of the factors involved.


At Coppins Law Group, we understand the difficulties parents face during child custody disputes and are here to provide dedicated support. With years of experience as a trusted family law attorney in Macomb, we’ve helped countless parents in Sterling Heights and across Michigan achieve favorable custody outcomes. This guide will explain the factors Michigan courts consider in custody cases, how you can prepare, and why having an experienced legal advocate is essential.


Understanding Child Custody in Michigan

In Michigan, child custody is divided into two categories: legal custody and physical custody.


  • Legal Custody refers to the right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing, such as education, medical care, and religious practices. Joint legal custody is common, but sole legal custody may be awarded if one parent is deemed unfit to make these decisions.
  • Physical Custody determines where the child will live. It can be joint (shared between parents) or sole (one parent has primary custody, with the other granted parenting time).


Michigan courts also establish parenting time, commonly known as visitation, for the non-custodial parent to maintain a relationship with the child. Parenting time rights in Sterling Heights and other Michigan communities are critical to preserving family bonds.


Factors Michigan Courts Consider in Child Custody Cases

The primary goal of Michigan courts in custody disputes is to serve the best interests of the child. Judges evaluate a variety of factors to make this determination, including:


  1. The Love and Emotional Bond Between Parent and Child: Courts consider the emotional ties between the child and each parent, assessing which arrangement fosters the child’s emotional well-being.
  2. The Child’s Stability: Maintaining a stable environment is crucial. Judges look at factors such as the child’s school, community, and home life when making custody decisions.
  3. Parental Fitness: The physical and mental health of each parent is assessed, as well as their ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the child.
  4. The Child’s Preference: If the child is of sufficient age and maturity, their custody preference may be taken into account.
  5. History of Domestic Violence: Any evidence of domestic violence, child abuse, or neglect weighs heavily in custody decisions.
  6. Co-Parenting Willingness: Courts favor parents who demonstrate a willingness to encourage a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent.
  7. Parent’s Work Schedule: The availability of each parent to care for the child, particularly during school breaks and after-school hours, is carefully evaluated.


Each case is unique, and the court may consider additional factors depending on the circumstances. A knowledgeable child custody lawyer in Michigan can help present evidence in your favor.


How to Prepare for a Child Custody Case in Michigan

The thought of preparing for a custody case can feel overwhelming, but taking these steps can help you build a strong case:


1. Document Your Relationship with Your Child

Keep a record of your involvement in your child’s life. This can include:



  • Attending parent-teacher conferences and school events.
  • Being involved in their extracurricular activities.
  • Providing day-to-day care, such as meals, homework help, and bedtime routines.


2. Create a Stable Living Environment

Demonstrating that you provide a safe and stable home is critical. Make sure your home is clean, child-proofed, and in a safe neighborhood. Be prepared to show evidence, such as photographs or witness testimony.


3. Maintain Civil Communication with the Other Parent

Even if your relationship with the other parent is strained, it’s important to remain respectful and cooperative. Michigan courts favor parents who can work together to co-parent effectively.


4. Avoid Negative Behaviors

Refrain from any actions that could reflect poorly on your character, such as substance abuse, reckless driving, or inappropriate social media posts. These can be used against you in court.


5. Work with an Experienced Family Law Attorney

A family law attorney in Macomb or Sterling Heights can help you prepare your case, gather evidence, and present your side effectively. They’ll ensure your rights are protected and that the court sees your commitment to your child’s well-being.


Why Legal Representation is Essential

Child custody cases can quickly become complex, especially when emotions are high. Having a skilled child custody lawyer in Michigan by your side offers several advantages:


  • Understanding of the Law: An experienced attorney knows the intricacies of Michigan custody laws and can help you navigate the legal system.
  • Strategic Planning: Your lawyer can craft a compelling case strategy based on the unique circumstances of your situation.
  • Negotiation Skills: A good attorney can negotiate with the other parent’s legal team to reach a fair agreement, potentially avoiding a lengthy court battle.
  • Courtroom Advocacy: If your case goes to court, your lawyer will present your case convincingly and advocate for your parental rights.


How Coppins Law Group Can Help

At Coppins Law Group, we’re dedicated to helping parents protect their rights and their relationships with their children. Our team understands the stress and uncertainty that come with child custody disputes, and we’re here to provide compassionate, effective legal representation. Here’s how we can assist:


  • Personalized Guidance: We take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor our legal strategy to your needs.
  • Comprehensive Case Preparation: From gathering evidence to representing you in court, we’ll handle every aspect of your case.
  • Strong Advocacy: We’re committed to fighting for your parental rights and securing the best possible outcome for you and your child.
  • Local Expertise: As a trusted family law attorney in Macomb and Sterling Heights, we’re familiar with the local court system and its expectations.


Contact Us Today to Protect Your Parental Rights

If you’re facing a child custody dispute in Michigan, don’t navigate it alone. Coppins Law Group is here to support you every step of the way. Our team is dedicated to advocating for parents and ensuring that their voices are heard in custody proceedings.


Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation to schedule a consultation with a skilled child custody lawyer in Michigan. Let us help you protect your parenting time rights in Sterling Heights, Macomb, and beyond.


Your relationship with your child is worth fighting for, and with the right legal team, you can work toward a resolution that prioritizes their best interests.

Will a DUI in Macomb County Affect My License, Job, or Insurance?

June 29, 2025
If you’ve recently been charged with a DUI or OWI in Macomb County or the surrounding Southeast Michigan area, you probably have a lot of questions. One of the first things many people ask is how the charge could affect their driver’s license, their job, or their insurance. Facing an OWI charge is stressful, especially if this is your first time dealing with the legal system. This post walks through some of the possible outcomes and important things to know based on how these cases are typically handled in the local courts. First, a Quick Look at the Terms In Michigan, the term OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) is used more often than DUI, though people tend to use them interchangeably. You may also hear the term OUID (Operating Under the Influence of Drugs), which covers driving while impaired by substances other than alcohol. Whether it’s alcohol, marijuana, or a controlled substance, OWI charges are taken seriously in Macomb County, and local courts move quickly through the process. What Can Happen to Your Driver’s License? License penalties are common after an OWI charge, even before your case is finalized. For example: Implied Consent Violations : If you refuse to take a chemical test after arrest, the Michigan Secretary of State may automatically suspend your license for one year. This is separate from your criminal case. First OWI Conviction : This can lead to up to a 6-month suspension. In some cases, you may be eligible for a restricted license after 30 days. High BAC (.17 or higher) : This can trigger longer suspensions and require the installation of an ignition interlock device if a restricted license is granted. The local courts in Mt. Clemens often follow these guidelines closely, and the Secretary of State processes license penalties independently of the judge’s ruling. It’s important to be aware of both parts of the system. Can a DUI Affect Your Job? It depends on the type of work you do. For some people, an OWI has little or no impact on employment. For others, it can be more serious. Jobs that involve: Driving a company vehicle Holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL) Security clearances State licenses or professional certifications …may be affected by a DUI conviction. Employers in these situations often require notification of criminal charges or conduct background checks as part of ongoing employment. This is especially true in regulated fields like healthcare, education, law enforcement, or government contracting. If your job is unrelated to driving or licensing, your employer might not take any action at all. However, if you have a company policy that requires reporting arrests or convictions, it’s important to be proactive and check what’s required. What About Your Insurance? In most cases, your auto insurance rates will go up after a DUI conviction. Some insurance companies may even choose not to renew your policy. This isn’t something that happens immediately, but once the conviction hits your driving record, insurers may re-evaluate your policy at renewal time. Drivers with an OWI on their record may need to obtain SR-22 insurance , which is a special certification that proves you’re carrying the required amount of liability coverage. Michigan doesn’t require SR-22 in every OWI case, but your insurance provider may. Will This Stay on Your Record? Michigan has recently made changes to its expungement laws. Some first-time OWI offenses may now be eligible for expungement, but only under specific conditions and after a waiting period. Expungement is not automatic and requires a formal process through the court. If you’re thinking about long-term consequences, especially for your driving and criminal record, it’s worth speaking with an attorney to see what your options are. How Macomb County Courts Typically Handle OWI Cases In Macomb County, OWI cases usually start in district court. For residents in Mt. Clemens, that typically means the 41-B District Court. Judges in this court have handled hundreds of these cases, and they are familiar with all the nuances involved. The court process often includes: An arraignment Pre-trial conferences Review of police reports, body cam footage, and breathalyzer or blood test results Possible plea negotiations A sentencing hearing if there is a conviction Every case is different. Some people are eligible for sobriety court programs or other alternatives, depending on the facts of the case and their criminal history. Steps to Take After Being Charged If you’ve been charged with OWI in or around Macomb County: Don’t delay. Court dates often come up quickly. Don’t try to navigate it alone. The consequences of a conviction can follow you for years. Write down everything you remember from the traffic stop and arrest while it’s fresh in your mind. Gather any documents you’ve received and keep them in one place. You don’t have to go through this process without support. Local attorneys who work in the district courts every week understand what to expect and how to guide you through the steps. Need Help Navigating an OWI Charge in Mt. Clemens? Our team at Coppins Law Group has worked with many individuals facing DUI or OWI charges in the Macomb County area. We understand the pressure this puts on your life, and we’re here to help you understand your rights and options at every step. Disclaimer : This blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and results can vary depending on the facts and circumstances. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact Coppins Law Group directly.

How Child Custody Is Determined in Divorce Cases Around Mt. Clemens and Macomb County

June 18, 2025
If you’re going through a separation or divorce and you have children, it’s likely that child custody is one of your biggest concerns. In the Mt. Clemens and greater Macomb County area, custody decisions are handled by the local family court system. Understanding how judges in this region typically approach custody can help you better prepare for the process ahead. Every case is unique, but here’s what you should know if you're facing a custody matter in this part of Southeast Michigan. What Judges in Macomb County Family Court Look For Courts in Macomb County, just like others in the region, are guided by what’s called the best interest of the child . Judges look at a variety of factors to decide what kind of custody arrangement will support the child’s physical, emotional, and educational well-being. Some of the specific things they might consider include: The emotional ties between the child and each parent Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home The child’s age and needs Any history of abuse or neglect The mental and physical health of all parties involved The willingness of each parent to encourage a relationship between the child and the other parent These are just a few examples. Judges have broad discretion and will look closely at the full picture before making a decision. Types of Custody That May Be Awarded Local courts may award joint custody or sole custody , and they’ll often divide custody into two categories: Legal Custody : This determines who has the authority to make decisions about schooling, medical care, and other major life issues. It’s common for parents to share legal custody unless the court sees a specific reason not to. Physical Custody : This refers to where the child lives most of the time. Some families have a shared parenting time schedule, while others may have one parent with primary custody and the other with scheduled visitation. In Macomb County, parenting time orders are generally detailed. Judges want clear schedules that outline school days, weekends, holidays, and even pick-up and drop-off times to help avoid conflict. What You Should Bring to a Custody Hearing If you’re preparing for a custody hearing in Mt. Clemens or a nearby court, there are a few things that can help your case: A detailed parenting time proposal that shows you’ve thought about the child’s needs Proof of a stable home environment Information about your work schedule and availability Any documentation related to the child’s school or healthcare needs If you have concerns about the other parent, especially regarding safety, substance use, or unstable living conditions, bring documentation to support those concerns. Local judges expect facts and evidence, not just opinions. What to Avoid During the Process While emotions can run high, it’s important to stay focused on the child’s well-being. Avoid speaking negatively about the other parent in front of your children or online, and follow any temporary court orders to the letter. Also, be careful about informal agreements that aren’t court-approved. Even if both parents agree on something, it won’t be legally binding unless it’s documented and approved by the court. Why Local Representation Matters Every county handles custody cases a little differently. Local knowledge can be a major advantage. Attorneys who regularly appear before Macomb County family court judges understand how to present a case effectively, what kind of evidence judges expect, and how to navigate the system without unnecessary delays. At Coppins Law Group, we represent clients in Mt. Clemens and the surrounding areas every day. We’re familiar with the expectations of the local courts, and we focus on helping clients feel informed and supported through the process. If Custody Agreements Break Down If there’s already a custody agreement in place but one parent isn’t following it, you may need to file a motion for enforcement or ask the court to modify the order. This happens more often than many people expect, especially as life changes — jobs shift, children get older, and new partners or moves come into play. The family court will always return to the best interest of the child when reviewing modification requests, but they also look at how well each parent has honored the current agreement. Next Steps if You’re Facing a Custody Dispute in Macomb County If you’re dealing with child custody in or around Mt. Clemens, make sure you know your rights and have the support you need. Custody matters are deeply personal, and you shouldn’t have to navigate them alone. Whether you’re just beginning a divorce, responding to a custody motion, or thinking about modifying an existing arrangement, our office is available to discuss your situation and what steps make the most sense for your family. Disclaimer : This blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Custody outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case, and results can vary. For personalized legal guidance, contact Coppins Law Group directly to schedule a consultation.