What It Means to Be a Custodial Parent in Michigan and Your Responsibilities

Anna Tsaturova, Michigan managing attorney | Marble Law

Michigan managing attorney at Marble Law

Published March 12, 2025 · 3 min read

Key Takeaways

Custodial parents in Michigan have both legal and daily care responsibilities for their child.
They make decisions about education, healthcare, and living arrangements.
A stable home environment and emotional support are essential for a child’s well-being.
Becoming a custodial parent requires proving parental capability and providing supporting evidence.
Legal representation can help navigate the custody process and protect parental rights.

What Does It Mean to Be a Custodial Parent in Michigan?

A custodial parent is the primary caregiver responsible for a child's upbringing. This includes physical custody, meaning the child primarily lives with them, and often legal custody, which grants decision-making authority over major aspects of the child’s life.

Michigan courts determine custody based on the child's best interests. Factors like financial stability, emotional support, and the ability to provide a safe home all play a role. Custodial parents must prioritize their child’s well-being and work towards a stable and supportive environment.

What Responsibilities Does a Custodial Parent Have?

Custodial parents are responsible for meeting the child’s daily and long-term needs. These responsibilities include:

Daily Care – Providing food, clothing, hygiene, and personal care.
Education – Enrolling the child in school, attending parent-teacher meetings, and supporting academic progress.
Healthcare – Making medical decisions, scheduling doctor visits, and handling emergency care.
Stable Home Environment – Ensuring a safe, clean, and nurturing home for the child’s development.
Emotional Support – Encouraging healthy relationships and helping with emotional well-being.
Co-Parenting Communication – Working with the other parent when necessary to create a positive, stable environment for the child.

Custodial parents must consistently act in their child's best interests and fulfill these obligations to maintain their custodial status.

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Steps to Becoming a Custodial Parent in Michigan

If you’re seeking primary custody, you’ll need to follow a legal process to prove that you can provide the best home for your child. The steps include:

Filing a Custody Petition – Submit an official request to the Michigan family court explaining why you should have custody.
Providing Supporting Evidence – Show proof of your ability to provide stability, such as financial records, home conditions, and character references.
Attending Court Hearings – The judge will review your case, listen to both parents and evaluate what is best for the child.
Following Court Evaluations – If required, you may need to complete home studies, parenting classes, or mediation.
Receiving a Custody Order – The court will issue a legally binding custody arrangement once approved.

A child holding hands with her mother, resting her head on her lap.

How Marble Law Can Help

Securing custody requires strong legal arguments and thorough preparation. A family law attorney can help you gather the right evidence, build a compelling case, and represent you in court. Marble Law can guide you through the custody process and protect your parental rights if you need legal support.