Best Child Visitation Lawyers in Bloomfield Township

1. About Child Visitation Law in Bloomfield Township, United States

Child visitation matters in Bloomfield Township are handled within Michigan family law and local court processes. The term commonly used is “parenting time,” which describes the schedule for when a child spends time with each parent. Courts emphasize the best interests of the child when making or modifying visitation orders.

In Bloomfield Township and throughout Oakland County, custody and visitation orders are issued by the Family Division of the Circuit Court, with the Michigan Friend of the Court (FOC) office assisting families and enforcing orders when needed. Understanding how parenting time is allocated can help you plan ahead and avoid disputes. For authoritative guidance, see Michigan Courts resources on family law and parenting time and the relevant statutes.

“The best interests of the child are the central consideration in custody and parenting time decisions.”

Key resources to consult include the official Michigan Courts family law pages and the statutes that govern parenting time and custody. You can learn more about parenting time and the procedures in Michigan courts at the state level, and then apply them to your Bloomfield Township situation.

Sources: Michigan Courts - Family Law pages courts.mi.gov; Michigan Legislature - MCL 722.27a and MCL 722.23 for parenting time and best interests doc.aspx?mcl-722-27a, doc.aspx?mcl-722-23.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal counsel can help you navigate complex situations specific to Bloomfield Township and Oakland County. Here are concrete scenarios where a lawyer’s guidance is valuable.

• You are facing a relocation request by the other parent that would move the child out of Bloomfield Township or out of state, potentially altering the parenting time schedule.
• You want to modify an existing order because one parent’s work schedule, school calendar, or cost of travel has changed significantly.
• The other parent is not complying with a current visitation order, causing repeated missed exchanges or altered schedules.
• There are safety concerns such as domestic violence or child safety issues requiring supervised visitation or protective orders.
• You are establishing paternity or seeking a formal parenting time arrangement for a non-parent such as a grandparent or other guardian in Bloomfield Township.

3. Local Laws Overview

Michigan law governs parenting time and custody, and Bloomfield Township residents are subject to these statutes as applied by Oakland County and Michigan courts. The following statutes are central to visitation issues:

• MCL 722.27a - Parenting time. This statute sets the framework for when a non-custodial parent is entitled to time with the child and under what conditions it may be modified. Doc: 722.27a.
• MCL 722.23 - Best interests of the child. Courts base parenting time and custody decisions on the child’s best interests. Doc: 722.23.
• MCL 722.31 - Relocation of a child with a parent or guardian. This statute addresses how relocation requests are evaluated and approved by the court. Doc: 722.31.

Recent trends in Bloomfield Township include greater use of mediation and virtual proceedings for parenting time matters, as have many Michigan counties. For background on court procedures and updates, see official state resources on family law and COVID-19 related court operations. Michigan Courts - Family Law and COVID-19 court operations.

Additional local context: Bloomfield Township families typically interact with the Oakland County Circuit Court - Family Division and its associated Friend of the Court office for enforcement and support matters. For Oakland County specific information, consult the county’s official court resources.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is parenting time and how is it decided in Michigan?

Parenting time is the schedule outlining when a child spends time with each parent. The court uses the best interests standard (MCL 722.23) to decide and may set or modify a schedule based on factors like the child's needs, stability, and each parent’s ability to provide care.

How do I start a visitation case in Bloomfield Township?

File a petition for parenting time or a modification with the Oakland County Circuit Court - Family Division. You may also contact the local Friend of the Court office for guidance and mediation options.

What is the typical timeline from filing to a hearing for visitation in Oakland County?

Timeline varies with caseload and complexity. Contested cases often move over several months, while agreed matters can be resolved more quickly if all parties cooperate.

How much does it cost to hire a visitation lawyer in Bloomfield Township?

Attorney fees vary by experience and case complexity. Expect consultation fees plus hourly rates; many lawyers offer flat fees for initial filings or limited-scope services.

Do I need to prove abuse to obtain supervised visitation?

Not necessarily. Supervised visitation is ordered when safety concerns exist or as a condition to protect the child. A lawyer can help you present evidence to support supervision if needed.

Can a parent relocate with a child after a visitation order?

Relocation requires court approval and a showing that the move serves the child’s best interests. The court weighs factors such as the reason for relocation and impact on parenting time.

What is the difference between legal custody and parenting time?

Legal custody concerns decisions about major aspects of the child’s life, while parenting time governs physical time with the child. Michigan typically emphasizes the best interests standard in both areas.

Is mediation required before a court hearing for parenting time?

Many Michigan courts encourage or require mediation to resolve parenting time disputes. Mediation can be a cost-effective way to reach an agreement without a full hearing.

What should I bring to a first lawyer consult for visitation?

Bring any court orders, proof of income, school schedules, records of communication with the other parent, and a list of concerns you want addressed. This helps the attorney assess your case quickly.

Do I need a lawyer if the other parent has one?

Having legal counsel is still advisable for guidance, negotiation, and representation, especially in contested cases or when safety concerns exist.

How long does a modification of visitation typically take to resolve?

Modifications can take several months, depending on timing, court availability, and whether parties reach an agreement. A lawyer can help you set realistic expectations and timelines.

What else should I know about establishing visitation in Bloomfield Township?

Local practice often involves the Oakland County Family Division and the Friend of the Court. A lawyer can help you understand local procedures, timing, and how to present evidence effectively.

5. Additional Resources

Use these official resources for authoritative information and guidance on child visitation in Bloomfield Township and Michigan.

• Michigan Courts - Family Law and Parenting Time: courts.mi.gov
• Michigan Legislature - MCL 722-27a (Parenting Time): doc.aspx?mcl-722-27a
• Michigan Legislature - MCL 722-23 (Best Interests): doc.aspx?mcl-722-23
• Oakland County Circuit Court - Family Division and Friend of the Court resources: Oakland County Courts - FOC

6. Next Steps

1. Assess your situation and gather key documents, including current orders, a calendar of parenting time, school schedules, and any communications with the other parent. Complete this within 1-2 weeks.
2. Consult a Bloomfield Township family law attorney to review your case and outline a strategy. Schedule the consultation within 1-3 weeks after gathering documents.
3. Decide whether to pursue a modification, enforcement, or relocation action at the local court. Prepare a petition with your attorney, and file with the Oakland County Circuit Court - Family Division within 1-2 weeks after the consult.
4. Explore mediation options offered by the court or your attorney to resolve disputes without a full hearing. Expect a mediation session within 2-6 weeks of filing.
5. Gather and present evidence for the hearing, including documented requests, exchanges, safety concerns, and school-related considerations. Schedule the hearing with the court as directed by your attorney.
6. Attend the hearing and seek a clear, enforceable order. If needed, discuss temporary orders for immediate relief with your attorney and the court. Final orders may take several months depending on caseload.