Top 5 Custody Mistakes to Avoid in Michigan

Child custody disputes are some of the most emotional and stressful challenges a parent can face. Whether you’re in the early stages of divorce or adjusting to a new parenting arrangement, the choices you make now can have a lasting impact on your relationship with your children.

At Wilson Kester, The Empowered Divorce Source, we believe knowledge is power and that no parent should navigate this process feeling uncertain or unheard. Below are the top five custody mistakes parents often make, and how working with an experienced Michigan child custody attorney can help you avoid them. Our goal is to protect what matters most.

1. Putting Emotion Before Strategy

Custody disputes are emotional, but reacting out of anger or frustration can weaken your case. Heated messages, impulsive social media posts, or arguments with your co-parent may be used against you in court. A thoughtful strategy may not be the first consideration when thinking about Michigan custody cases, but it is essential for success. A skilled custody lawyer can help you separate emotion from strategy, communicate effectively, and make choices that reflect your child’s best interests.

Pro Tip: Before sending a message to your co-parent, pause and ask yourself, “Would I be comfortable with a Judge reading this?” If the answer is no, don’t send it. Keep your communication calm, factual, and focused on your child’s best interests.

2. Failing to Document Communication and Parenting Efforts

Keeping organized, respectful communication records is key. Texts, emails, and notes about exchanges can be valuable evidence, especially when tensions are high or communication becomes inconsistent. Maintaining a clear record of your interactions helps establish a pattern of your reliability and cooperation, which the court takes seriously when evaluating custody. It also helps protect you from misinterpretations or false claims that can arise during a difficult co-parenting relationship. Your attorney can help you understand what documentation is useful and how to keep it professional, especially if your co-parent’s behavior is unpredictable or concerning.

Pro Tip: Use a parenting app like OurFamilyWizard, AppClose, or TalkingParents. These tools timestamp your messages and can provide reliable records that hold up in court.

3. Ignoring Temporary Orders or Parenting Plans

Once a court order is in place, compliance is not optional. Missing visitation exchanges, violating parenting time schedules, or making unilateral decisions about your child can seriously damage your credibility. If your current arrangement isn’t working, your attorney can guide you through the proper legal channels to request a modification rather than risking penalties by taking matters into your own hands. Even more importantly, it can strain the relationships between you, your children, and the other parent.

If you believe your child’s well-being or safety is at risk, speak with your attorney right away about filing an Emergency Ex Parte Order. This legal action can help the court step in quickly to protect your child.

Pro Tip: Keep detailed records each time you complete a custody exchange or fulfill a parenting responsibility. Consistent documentation helps show your reliability and commitment, and if challenges occur, your attorney will have clear, accurate evidence to strengthen your case.

4. Speaking Negatively About the Other Parent to Your Child

One of the most damaging mistakes a parent can make during a Michigan child custody dispute is speaking poorly about the other parent in front of the child. Even subtle comments, eye rolls, or emotional reactions can have lasting emotional effects. Children often internalize these conflicts and may feel pressured to take sides, which can harm their sense of stability and security.

Michigan family courts take this behavior seriously, as it can be viewed as an attempt to alienate the child from the other parent. Maintaining composure and respect, even in tense moments, shows the court that you are focused on your child’s best interests and capable of healthy co-parenting. Our blog, “How to Talk to Your Children About Divorce,” offers practical guidance on how to approach these conversations with care and neutrality, helping your children feel supported and secure throughout the process.

5. Not Working with an Experienced Michigan Custody Attorney

It’s easy to underestimate the complexity of Michigan child custody law. Many parents believe that being reasonable will naturally lead to a fair outcome, but without skilled legal guidance, important details can be overlooked that affect your rights and your child’s well-being. Custody arrangements are never permanent. Life changes, such as a new job, relocation, or evolving needs of your child, may require a modification to your existing custody order.

At Wilson Kester, our experienced Michigan custody attorneys guide parents through every stage of the process, from initial custody agreements to modifications of existing custody agreements. We work to protect your parental rights, advocate for your child’s best interests, and find solutions that fit your family’s unique circumstances. Whether your case involves mediation or litigation, our team is here to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

Ready to take the next step toward protecting your child and securing your future? Our Michigan custody attorneys are here to help you move forward with confidence. Call today to schedule your consultation and discover how Wilson Kester can help you create a custody plan that works for you and your family. Your child’s future deserves the best advocates on your side.

Call us today at 231-922-6800 or schedule your free 30-minute case assessment here!