
Corrado Law Group, P.C. successfully helps the injured recover compensation they deserve.
Sterling Heights Child Custody Lawyer
Backed by years of experience, the attorneys at our firm offer the compassionate legal support you deserve as you go through a child custody or paternity issue. From your initial consultation to the conclusion of your case, we will work side by side with you every step of the way. We understand that a family law issue can be tremendously overwhelming; however, you do not have to go through this process alone. We are here for you and your family.
Different Types of Child Custody
People often think about custody in terms of legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody means having the right to make important decisions about your children, such as where they go to school, what religion they practice, and significant medical decisions. Physical custody refers to the child's living arrangements or where the child will reside.
How Is Custody Determined?
You and your co-parent may be able to work out custody and parenting time for your children outside of court. However, if you cannot agree, the court will decide custody and parenting time based on what is known as the child's best interests. There are 12 best interests factors the court will consider before determining. These factors are as follows:
- Love, affection, and other emotional ties that exist between the parties involved and the child
- Capacity and disposition of the parties involved to give the child love, affection, and guidance and to continue the education and raising of the child in their religion or creed
- Capacity and disposition of the parties involved to provide the child with food, clothing, and medical care
- Length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment, and the desirability of maintaining this
- Permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or proposed custodial home or homes
- The moral fitness of the parties involved
- Mental and physical health of the parties involved
- Home, school, and community record of the child
- The reasonable preference of the child
- Willingness and ability of each party to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent
- History of domestic violence, regardless of whether the violence was directed against or witnessed by the child


Modifying a Child Custody Order
The court will not modify a custody arrangement unless the party asking for the change shows there is either proper cause or a change of circumstances to consider the change. A reasonable ground or a change of circumstances is more significant than a typical life change. It must be something that has a substantial impact on the child. Only after the proper cause or a change of circumstances is shown can the court reconsider what custody arrangements would be in the child's best interests.
How to Establish Paternity
Before awarding custody to a father, paternity may need to be established. Unmarried parents can voluntarily establish paternity by agreeing to name the child's father when it is born. They could also ask the local family court to help establish paternity. This typically involves a DNA paternity test.
Our Reviews
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"Talia and the Corrado Law Group, PC helped me with a challenging custody case for several years"Amanda
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"She is professional, knowledgeable, and will have your back as your lawyer."Sarah
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"At times adoption can be a scary process, but Talia and Tonya make sure that you understand everything."Amanda
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Advocates for Your Family's Best Interests
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Extensive Courtroom Experience
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Compassionate Approach to Every Case
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Exclusively Focused on Family Law & Adoption Matters
Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (586) 554-2200.