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Legal Information: Michigan

Custody

Updated: 
March 27, 2024

What custody options are there?

Even though Michigan statutes do not define sole custody, this usually means one of the parents is in charge of both the physical and legal custody of the child.

Joint custody means:

  • your child will alternate his/her residence between both parents, for specific periods of time; and
  • both parents will share the right to make important decisions that affect the welfare of your child.1

If joint custody is not awarded because the judge believes it would not be in the best interest of the child, the judge can decide between any of the following or a combination of them:

  • sole legal custody;
  • sole physical custody;
  • joint legal custody;
  • joint physical custody; and
  • parenting time.2

1 MCL § 722.26a(7)
2 MCL § 722.27a

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