Michigan
child custody
lawyers
Establishing, modifying, or enforcing child custody? Get matched with an experienced Michigan child custody lawyer, and pay for the work done, not the hours. No hourly clock, no retainers. You make the decisions. Your attorney handles the paperwork.
Michigan
child custody
lawyers
Establishing, modifying, or enforcing child custody? Get matched with an experienced Michigan child custody lawyer, and pay for the work done, not the hours. No hourly clock, no retainers. You make the decisions. Your attorney handles the paperwork.
Over 600
Vetted attorneys
Over 85K+
Clients helped
3K+
5 stars on Trustpilot
11
States served
It’s the Marble difference
Yes - your custody case can be less overwhelming
Right attorney for your case - guaranteed*
You’re matched with the right attorney for each step of your case using the Marble Legal Engine™.
Pay for the work done - not the hours
Unlike traditional hourly billing, you'll know the cost of each service before you commit to anything. Payment plans available.
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Move forward with insights from 130K+ cases to guide your next step. Your personal info remains confidential.
Everything in one place
Submit legal documents, track progress, and manage your case through Marble home, your secure legal app.
What moving forward looks like
Get startedOnly charges for your actual needs keeping the cost down. Very attentive and understanding. Highly recommend.
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Made the daunting process very easy & efficient. My attorney was so communicative.
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Nothing too big or small
Legal care for you and your kids, all in one place
Parenting plans
Create a parenting plan that fits your family's needs. An experienced child custody attorney can help you build clear schedules, define responsibilities, and create an agreement that supports your child's best interests now and in the future.
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Parenting time
Parenting time is about more than a schedule. It's about staying involved in your child's life. Work with an attorney to create or negotiate a parenting time schedule that works for your family and your future.
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Custody modifications
Life changes. When your family's circumstances change, your custody order may need to change too. An attorney can help you understand your options and request modifications that reflect your current situation.
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Court representation
If your custody case goes to court, experienced legal representation can make a meaningful difference. Prepare your case, understand what to expect, and advocate for the outcome you're seeking.
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Relocation
If one parent wants to move with a child, the legal process can quickly become complex. Understand your rights, your options, and the steps you need to take to protect your relationship with your child.
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Enforcing custody orders
When a custody agreement isn't being followed, you don't have to navigate it alone. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and take the appropriate next steps.
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Child custody
Whether you're seeking joint custody, sole custody, or responding to a dispute, get legal guidance tailored to you. Understand your options and work toward a solution that protects your relationship with your child.
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Child support
Understand how child support is calculated, what factors may affect payments, and what your rights and responsibilities are. Get guidance that helps you make informed decisions for both you and your child.
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Child Custody Mediation
Not every custody dispute has to end in court. Mediation can help parents reach agreements with less conflict, lower costs, and a greater focus on what matters most: their children.
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Emergency custody
When your child's safety or well-being is at immediate risk, you may need urgent legal action. Get experienced guidance to understand your options and respond quickly to protect your family.
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Child custody in Michigan is different
Michigan child custody laws use familiar words, but a few rules work differently here than in most states. Here's what matters most before you file or respond.
01
Support is based on both parents' incomes
Michigan uses an income shares model. Both parents' net incomes are generally combined to set a base support amount, which is then divided between the parents in proportion to each parent's share of the combined income.
04
Support orders can be reviewed
Michigan's Friend of the Court office can review a support order after it is entered, on either parent's written request, at the court's direction, or for other reasonable grounds such as changed financial conditions. Reviews generally happen at least every 36 months when public assistance is involved, and any recalculation generally uses the Michigan Child Support Formula.
02
A court-issued formula sets the numbers
The Michigan Child Support Formula is issued by the State Court Administrative Office in a manual that is updated from time to time, rather than written line by line into state law. Judges generally must follow it, and may depart from it only after finding that it would be unjust or inappropriate and explaining why. Because the manual changes, figures you find online may be out of date.
05
Changes are generally not backdated
Michigan generally does not allow a support payment to be changed for a period before the other parent was given notice of the request to modify. A court-approved agreement between the parents may be an exception, so timing may matter if your circumstances change.
03
Joint custody does not end support
Michigan courts can order joint custody, but sharing custody does not by itself remove a parent's child support obligation. How custody and parenting time are decided is covered on our Michigan child custody page.
06
Paternity cases can lead to a support order
When a child is born to an unmarried mother, a paternity case in circuit court can establish who the legal parent is and result in an order that includes support. Genetic testing may be used, and support in that order is generally backdated only to the date the complaint was filed.
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Start online (2 mins)
Answer a few questions about your situation so we can understand your case.
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Choose your legal package
Start with only the services you need today. Add more as your case progresses.
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Keep your case moving with the right legal support every step of the way.
Child custody in Michigan is different
Michigan child custody laws use familiar words, but a few rules work differently here than in most states. Here's what matters most before you file or respond.
How we compare
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Updates anytime
Michigan managing attorney
Anna Tsaturova
Clients served
700+
Years of experience
18 years
Practice Areas
Family law
Licenced in
Michigan
Counties we serve in Michigan
- Alcona
- Alger
- Allegan
- Alpena
- Antrim
- Arenac
- Baraga
- Barry
- Bay
- Benzie
- Berrien
- Branch
- Calhoun
- Cass
- Charlevoix
- Cheboygan
- Chippewa
- Clare
- Clinton
- Crawford
- Delta
- Dickinson
- Eaton
- Emmet
- Genesee
- Gladwin
- Gogebic
- Grand
- Traverse
- Gratiot
- Hillsdale
- Houghton
- Huron
- Ingham
- Ionia
- Iosco
- Iron
- Isabella
- Jackson
- Kalamazoo
- Kalkaska
- Kent
- Keweenaw
- Lake
- Lapeer
- Leelanau
- Lenawee
- Livingston
- Luce
- Mackinac
- Macomb
- Manistee
- Marquette
- Mason
- Mecosta
- Menominee
- Midland
- Missaukee
- Monroe
- Montcalm
- Montmorency
- Muskegon
- Newaygo
- Oakland
- Oceana
- Ogemaw
- Ontonagon
- Osceola
- Oscoda
- Otsego
- Ottawa
- Presque
- Isle
- Roscommon
- Saginaw
- Sanilac
- Schoolcraft
- Shiawassee
- St.
- Clair
- Joseph
- Tuscola
- Van
- Buren
- Washtenaw
- Wayne
- Wexford
Your questions, answered
We charge by service rather than by the hour, so you always know what you’re paying for. There are no hidden fees or unexpected costs.
Michigan courts evaluate several best interests factors, including emotional ties, parenting capacity, home stability, school continuity, and the ability of parents to cooperate.
Legal custody refers to the authority to make major decisions about the child’s life. Physical custody refers to where and with whom the child lives. Both may be shared or awarded solely.
Yes. You may request a modification if there is proper cause or a change in circumstances. We help you document and present the necessary evidence.
Michigan has strict limits on relocating more than 100 miles from your current residence. We can help you pursue or challenge a move by following the proper legal process.
No. Michigan law does not favor one parent over the other based on gender. The court’s only concern is the child’s best interests.
Uncontested cases may be resolved in a few months. However, depending on their complexity and court scheduling, contested matters or relocation disputes can take longer.
Judges often consider testimony, school and health records, parenting logs, text messages, and any other documentation that demonstrates each parent’s role and the child’s well-being.
*The Attorney Match Guarantee™ applies to Marble’s matching process only and does not guarantee case outcomes, general satisfaction, or full refunds. Re-matches are subject to attorney availability and good account standing, and are limited to 3 discretion-based re-matches. If a suitable attorney is unavailable, a prorated refund based on work completed may apply.