Child Custody & Support Attorney in Bay City, Michigan

Helping Parents Protect Their Rights and Their Children

Legal issues involving children are among the most emotionally charged and complex in family law. Whether you are going through a divorce, separation, or custody dispute, the outcome of your case will shape your child’s life—and yours—for years to come. At Triton Legal PLC, our experienced child custody and support attorneys in Bay City, Michigan are here to advocate for you with compassion, strategy, and skill.

We represent parents throughout Bay City, Midland, Saginaw, and the Great Lakes Bay Region in all aspects of custody and support litigation. Our mission is to help you reach a resolution that prioritizes your child’s well-being while protecting your rights as a parent.

Understanding Child Custody in Michigan

Michigan courts recognize two types of custody:

Legal Custody

The right to make major decisions about a child’s education, healthcare, and overall welfare. This can be joint (shared by both parents) or sole (granted to one parent).

Physical Custody

Refers to where the child lives and who is responsible for their daily care. This can also be joint or sole, depending on the child’s best interests.

When determining custody arrangements, Michigan courts use the best interest factors outlined in MCL 722.23. These include the emotional ties between parent and child, the stability of the home environment, the ability to provide for the child, and the willingness of each parent to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.

At Triton Legal PLC, we work closely with you to develop a parenting plan that meets your family’s needs—whether that means shared parenting time or advocating for a more traditional arrangement.

What About Child Support in Michigan?

In Michigan, child support is calculated using the Michigan Child Support Formula, which considers several key factors:

• Each parent’s income

• The number of overnights the child spends with each parent

• The number of children involved

• Health insurance and childcare costs

• Other support obligations

The Friend of the Court (FOC) often assists with calculating and enforcing child support. Payments are typically made through the Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU) and are enforceable by wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, and even license suspension if payments are missed.

We assist clients with:

• Establishing child support orders

• Modifying support when income or custody arrangements change

• Enforcing or disputing unpaid support

• Ensuring fair treatment based on accurate income and custody records

If you believe the amount of child support you’re paying or receiving is unfair—or your circumstances have changed—we’ll help you petition the court for a modification.

Addressing Parenting Time and Communication

Courts typically prefer to maintain meaningful relationships between children and both parents, unless doing so would not be in the child’s best interests. Parenting time schedules can vary widely—from equal time-sharing arrangements to limited or supervised visitation.

Occasionally, disputes arise when communication between co-parents breaks down. In some cases, a parent may feel that their relationship with the child is being subtly or intentionally disrupted. While courts recognize that tensions may be high, it is important for each parent to demonstrate a good faith effort to foster the child’s relationship with the other parent.

If you feel your parenting time is being interfered with—or if the other parent is failing to exercise their scheduled time—we can help you address this through the appropriate legal channels.

How Triton Legal PLC Can Help

At Triton Legal, we understand that every family is different. That’s why we tailor our legal approach to your situation, offering services that include:

• Drafting and negotiating custody and parenting time agreements

• Representing you in Friend of the Court hearings and family court proceedings

• Seeking modifications to custody or support orders based on changes in income, living arrangements, or your child’s needs

• Enforcing court orders when the other parent is noncompliant

• Assisting unmarried parents in establishing paternity, parental rights, and support obligations

We’re also here to help you understand the impact that decisions today may have on your future—including taxes, school choices, relocation, and long-term parental roles.

Why Choose Triton Legal PLC?

• We combine legal experience with personal compassion—because we’re parents too.

• We provide honest, straightforward legal advice—no false promises.

• We fight hard for our clients—whether in negotiation or in court.

• We serve families across Bay City, Midland, Saginaw, and Northeast Michigan.

• We offer clear communication and 24/7 access to your case through our secure client portal.

Schedule a Consultation With a Bay City Child Custody Attorney

You don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you’re establishing custody, modifying an order, or seeking support, the team at Triton Legal PLC is here to stand beside you every step of the way.

Call (989) 439-9600 today to speak with a trusted family law attorney in Bay City, Michigan. Let’s work together to protect your family and your future.

Triton Legal - Strength When You Need It Most.