Collaborative divorce provides couples in Michigan a more flexible, cooperative way to resolve disputes, including child custody arrangements. These agreements often allow parents to tailor custody plans to fit their children’s needs.
However, circumstances can change, and custody modifications may become necessary.
Initial custody agreements
In a collaborative divorce, parents work together to create custody agreements that are in their children’s best interests. Michigan courts prioritize these agreements as long as they serve the child’s welfare. The collaborative process allows parents to be more creative and flexible compared to traditional court-ordered plans.
Modifying custody after a collaborative divorce
If circumstances change significantly after the divorce, such as a parent’s relocation or changes in the child’s needs, Michigan law allows either parent to request a custody modification. Even with a collaborative agreement, modifications must meet the state’s legal standards. The requesting parent must prove that the changes would benefit the child’s best interests.
The role of the original agreement
Michigan courts will review the original collaborative custody agreement when considering a modification request. While these agreements are given weight, they are not immune to changes if new evidence shows that modifications would better serve the child.
The collaborative nature of the original agreement may encourage parents to work together on future changes rather than engage in litigation.
Maintaining flexibility
Collaborative divorce fosters open communication, which can make future custody modifications smoother. Parents who work together in the collaborative process may find it easier to adjust the custody arrangement as their child grows, ensuring that the agreement continues to serve the child’s best interests over time.