What Is 50/50 Child Custody in Michigan?

Child custody matters are serious, affecting a child’s life and future. Whenever it’s appropriate and beneficial for a child, a judge usually grants parents 50/50 custody, allowing both parents to play important parts in their child’s life.

When you’re dealing with child custody matters, the custody lawyers at Gucciardo Family Law can assist.

Different Types of Child Custody

Child custody is not “one size fits all.” While many believe custody simply entails who keeps the child, that’s not all it entails.

There are various types of custody arrangements. The right custody arrangement depends on several factors, including the parents’ situation and the child’s needs.

Physical Custody

Physical custody refers to where the child will live. The court can grant one parent physical custody or allow both parents to share physical custody, meaning the child will go back and forth between homes.

Courts prefer to grant both parents physical custody but may decide against it if they believe a parent is unfit.

Legal Custody

When a parent has legal custody, this means they are entitled to make critical decisions for their child. Important decisions include where the child will go to school, what doctors they’ll see, and what religion they will practice.

Unless it would not be beneficial for the child, both parents may get legal custody, giving them shared authority to make decisions for their child.

Sole Custody

Sole custody means only one parent is granted custody.

Giving one parent custody of a child is not common, as courts appreciate the benefits of a child growing up with both parents. However, if the court feels it would be detrimental to the child for parents to have shared custody, they are not against awarding one parent sole custody.

Depending on the situation, the judge may award the non-custodial parent supervised or unsupervised visitation when the other parent has sole custody.

Joint Custody

Joint custody — also referred to as 50/50 custody — gives both parents custody of their child. In many cases, parents with joint custody have shared physical and legal custody.

While many refer to joint custody as 50/50 custody, custody is not always a perfect 50/50 split. Depending on the custody schedule and the parent’s living arrangements, one parent may get slightly more time with the child.

Factors Courts Consider When Determining Whether 50/50 Custody Is Best

Family court judges always aim to do what is in the child’s best interests. Therefore, they do not take custody decisions lightly.

Judges examine certain factors when deciding on custody arrangements, including:

• The child’s relationship with each parent
• Which parent has been the primary caregiver to date
• The physical and mental health of each parent
• Both parents’ ability to provide for the child
• The willingness of each parent to encourage and foster a relationship with the other
• Whether there is any history of domestic violence
• Any other factors the court finds relevant

Additionally, when deciding on joint custody, the court will consider whether parents can work together and cooperate for the sake of their child.

Consult with a Michigan Custody Attorney

Gucciardo Family Law has extensive experience helping Michigan clients with custody matters. We understand the importance of child custody cases and aim to get you the best possible outcome. If you’re seeking 50/50 custody, our custody lawyers can tailor their approach to suit your needs and reach a fair resolution.

Contact us today to schedule a meeting with one of our Michigan custody attorneys.