Services

Family Law

Abuse & Neglect

If you have been accused of abuse or neglect or face court involvement, contact us at our listed phone numbers to discuss your matter further.

Child Custody and Visitation

In most cases, both parents share legal custody and consult on major decisions affecting the minor children. The parents may share physical custody or one parent may have the label “primary physical custody”. Custody is determined in accordance with the concepts of “established custodial environment” and “best interests of the child”. Considerations include: who has been the primary caregiver to the child; who will promote the child’s relationship with the other parent; who will provide a safe and secure environment for the child; with whom a more mature child may prefer to live, and many others. The “best interest factors” are very subjective; therefore, it is imperative that you find a competent and experienced attorney to explain them to you, to review your particular set of circumstances and effectively apply them to your case.

Parenting Time

Parenting time designates when a non-custodial parent will spend time with their child. Parenting time agreements can be difficult to draft due to scheduling constraints and different ideas among the parents and children about how parenting time should be conducted. Custom designed agreements that are personalized to fit your family’s needs are important to achieve the best possible outcome for your family during this difficult time. S&H Law is committed on creating the right agreement that best serves your family’s interests.

Guardianships

Michigan law provides for the establishment of temporary or permanent guardians for minor children. A guardian has the legal authority to govern decisions that affect a child’s medical care, living arrangements, schooling, and routine activities. Probate judges then ensure a child’s best interests are served by the actions of his guardian.

Why guardianship? Guardianship promotes a sense of belonging, helps children stay connected to family and to their culture, increases stability and continuity, reduces agency supervision and intervention in children’s lives once they are in a permanent family, and does not require the termination of parental rights for children who have relationships with parents who cannot care for them.

Delinquency

If your child is facing delinquency proceedings, you need someone who is familiar with Family and Juvenile Law. Generally, delinquency proceedings take place in the Family Division of the respective Circuit Court where the alleged offense happened. Furthermore, you need someone who is familiar with Diversion programs and Consent Calendar procedures. Without a working knowledge of these procedures, your child may not be afforded the best possible options at avoiding long term consequences of a momentary lapse in judgement. S&H Law can help your child avoid those long term consequences.