Divorce and Children

Children frequently are the top concern when parents end a relationship. At Mellin Robinson, P.C., our child custody and divorce lawyers make every effort to protect your rights and your relationship with your children. Our attorneys can help our clients develop created parenting time plans to fit unique family scenarios.

Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced Divorce with Children attorneys.

Divorce and Children

Children frequently are the top concern when parents end a relationship. At Mellin Robinson, P.C., our child custody and divorce lawyers make every effort to protect your rights and your relationship with your children. Our attorneys can help our clients develop created parenting time plans to fit unique family scenarios. 

Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced Divorce with Children attorneys. 

Child Custody And Divorce Attorneys

Our firm is focused entirely on family law issues, which provides us a thorough understanding of the Michigan Child Custody Act and all other state and federal laws that pertain to your parental rights following divorce or the end of a non-marital relationship. Our experienced Michigan family law attorneys work with clients to resolve:

Finding Effective And Efficient Resolutions

We encourage both parents to resolve these issues through negotiations whenever possible in order to minimize the disruption to the child’s life. Attorneys Irika N. Mellin and Kristen L. Robinson are both certified Michigan family law mediators. They have extensive experience helping parties reach fair agreements through negotiations and mediation.

Our lawyers are also experienced litigators. If disputes regarding custody, parenting time, child support or any family law matter cannot be resolved amicably, we are always prepared to advocate aggressively on your behalf in court.

We work closely with child psychologists if necessary and other child related specialists who can help frame the issues so that your outcome is as favorable as possible.

Child Custody Lawyer

When parents end a marriage or a non-marital relationship, maintaining a strong relationship with their children often tops the list of concerns. Michigan courts determine custody and parenting time based on the best interests of the child.

The courts favor both parents remaining actively involved in their children’s lives whenever circumstances warrant; however, the laws regarding custody and parenting time allow for numerous factors to be considered. As a result, it is imperative to retain the services of an experienced and accomplished family law attorney who can protect your rights regarding custody and parenting time.

At Mellin Robinson, P.C., our child custody lawyers advocate aggressively to protect our clients’ rights in child custody negotiations and — when an agreement cannot be reached amicably — in litigation.

The courts award two types of custody for any minor children — legal and physical.

Legal custody refers to a parent's right to have input in important life decisions regarding a child's education, health care, and religion. In many cases, joint legal custody is awarded, allowing both parents to share the decision-making authority.

Physical custody refers to how the child divides his or her time between the two parents. Physical custody can be shared or awarded to one parent. 

It is important to note, however, that every child custody case is unique and the outcome is dependent upon the facts of each case.

The Michigan Child Custody Act identifies 12 factors to be considered in determining what is in the best interest of the child. Some of these include:

  • The love, affection and other emotional ties that exist between the child and each parent

  • The length of time that a child has lived in a stable environment and the desirability to maintain continuity of that environment

  • The moral fitness of the parties involved

  • The willingness of each party to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent

  • The reasonable preference of a child if the court determines the child is of sufficient age to express preference

Michigan law starts with the presumption that it is in children's best interests to have a strong relationship with both parents. Children have a right to have parenting time with a parent unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the parenting time would be harmful to the child, either physically, mentally or emotionally. Further, parents have a right to have a specific parenting time schedule that includes regular dates and times.

Parenting time conflicts can be as emotional and as hard-fought as custody disputes. The court's primary concern is the well-being of the child and will act in the best interest of the child. If faced with a motion to modify parenting time, it is imperative to seek the advice of an experienced family law attorney. If a parent feels it is in his or her child's best interest to seek modification of parenting time, it is important to consult with a skilled family law attorney to discuss strategy and timing in filing the appropriate motion.

Child Support Attorneys

In Michigan, child support is determined by the Michigan Child Support Formula. Generally, courts set the amount of child support based on this formula unless factors warrant deviating from the formula.

Some of the factors used to determine the amount of child support payments include:

At the law office of Mellin Robinson, P.C., our family law attorneys advocate for parents in the determination of child support. Whether you are seeking child support or you expect to make child support payments, we protect your rights and ensure that the amount of child support ordered is fair.

Sometimes, there are concerns that a party is hiding assets or income in order to lower the amount of child support or spousal support that is paid. We ensure that accurate financial information is provided and work with forensic accountants, valuation experts and other specialists if necessary to obtain accurate financial information.

Paternity

About Paternity Issues And Family Law

Paternity refers to determining the biological and/or legal father of a child. Either the mother or the father can bring action to establish paternity. Additionally, the State of Michigan (through the County prosecutor’s office) can file a paternity case against the alleged father if the mother and child are receiving state aid.

Contact A Paternity Attorney Today!

Resolving a paternity matter may be simple due to the fact that DNA testing can easily prove the biological father, but there can be complex legal matters to address as well. For example, if a child is born to a woman who is married, the husband is presumed to be the father, regardless of who may be the biological father.

The process of attempting to establish paternity or challenge paternity can involve complex legal arguments, and it is therefore important to have competent attorneys, such as Mellin Robinson P.C., at your side.

We Are Committed To Providing Quality Support To Our Clients

Schedule A Meeting With Mellin Robinson, P.C.

We can review the facts of your case and answer your questions during a complimentary consultation. Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced family law attorneys.

We Are Committed To Providing Quality Support To Our Clients

Schedule A Meeting With Mellin Robinson, P.C.

We can review the facts of your case and answer your questions during a complimentary consultation. Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced family law attorneys.