West Michigan Child Custody Lawyers
Grand Rapids – Holland – Muskegon
Regardless of how difficult a divorce might be, parents always want the best for their children. Prepared to document and defend your claim to custody, the Grand Rapids, Michigan law office of Perry & Stuursma guides clients through Michigan child custody laws and what is required by the court. Given the requirements of Michigan child custody laws, it’s essential that you demonstrate involvement in your children’s lives, as well as your ability to take care of them financially and emotionally. As your attorney, we’ll identify the documentation you need, gather character references, and prepare your case for presentation at trial or during negotiations.
Be prepared and informed – contact child custody lawyers at Perry & Stuursma today. Representing clients in Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, and West Michigan, we provide free consultations in order to answer any questions your might have regarding your legal options. Call today – your children’s future may depend on it.
Taking Steps to Build Your Case Now
Since Michigan child custody laws require that the interest of children be considered first, demonstrating not only your fitness as a parent but your ability to take care of them is crucial. Even if your children depend on you more, if your ex-spouse can document a greater level of involvement in their lives than you, the court may be inclined to award custody to your ex-spouse.
However, the following things can be undertaken now in order to build and strengthen your case:
- Keep a daily journal noting involvement with children
- Maintain a log of when you took your children to the doctor, school, or any other event
- Collect photos of birthdays, vacations, or holidays spent with your children
- Provide a list of any activities you participated in with your kids – Boy Scouts, Brownies, dance lessons, or Little League events.
- Provide financial and employment information for you and your ex-spouse
- Collect character references from co-workers, church leaders, friends, or neighbors
- Document community involvement
Finding Common Ground
Like divorce, child custody cases can be painful and bitter. That’s why the family law attorneys at Perry & Stuursma work extra hard to identify common ground and resolve issues through negotiation. Bringing both sides together to hammer out an agreement everyone can accept, negotiation allows families to determine for themselves the terms of a settlement. Not only is negotiation less time consuming and less expensive, but it also puts families in a position to determine the terms of a custody arrangement. If a case goes to trial, a judge determines the outcome – which may not be to anyone’s liking.
Placing Children and Families First
Committed to personalized, one-on-one service, our child custody lawyers work closely with clients, listening to their story and fighting for what is in the best interest of them and their children. With over 50 years of combined legal experience, the attorneys of Perry & Stuursma have a thorough understanding of Michigan child custody laws and how they impact families. We’ll work closely with you, making sure the law is on your side.
For more information regarding what we can do for you, contact Michigan child custody lawyers at the law office of Perry & Stuursma today. Whether you live in Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, or West Michigan, we’ll be happy to meet with you and answer any questions you might have during a free initial consultation.
Perry & Stuursma, LLP
15 Ionia SW Suite 510
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Tel. (616) 776-3900
Fax. (616) 776-3905
