Child Custody Act of 1970

722.23 Best Interests of the Child, Definition

   Sec. 3. "Best interests of the child" means the sum total of the following factors to be considered, evaluated, and determined by the court:
   (a) The love, affection, and other emotional ties existing between the parties involved and the child.
   (b) The capacity and disposition of the parties involved to give the child love, affection, and guidance and continuation of the educating and raising of the child in its religion or creed, if any.
   (c) The capacity and disposition of the parties involved to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care or other remedial care recognized and permitted under the laws of this state in place of medical care, and other material needs.
   (d) The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment, and the desirability of maintaining continuity.
   (e) The permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or proposed custodial home or homes.
   (f) The moral fitness of the parties involved.
   (g) The mental and physical health of the parties involved.
   (h) The home, school, and community record of the child.
   (i) The reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child to be of sufficient age to express preference.
   (j) The willingness and ability of each of the parents to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship between the child and other parent.
   (k) Any other factor considered by the court to be relevant to a particular child custody dispute.


Jay N. Clothier, Attorney at Law
503 S. Saginaw Street, Suite 929
Flint, MI 48502
Phone: 810-767-0024
Fax: 810-238-5148

Email:

jayclothier@urnotguilty.com