We live in a no fault divorce state of Michigan. Property is split 50/50. The reason you would want help in your case in divorce is that alimony in Michigan is not always 10 years. It is not always automatically given to the lesser earner. You may want a private investigator to give you an upper hand in that area. Some divorces end up giving alimony checks to their ex spouse for years until one remarries or dies. You could spend a lifetime paying alimony. Hiring a PI can give you a better outcome if you can prove infidelity and or cohabitation with someone else. Alimony investigations can alter alimony payments or stop them completely if you can prove your ex has moved on or lives with someone else. That would be considered support or a remarriage. That would have the potential to stop you from having to pay alimony payments. Child support is another issue. Child custody can be tricky depending on who can provide more to their child. Let us bring forth the answers about what your potential ex-spouse is doing to give you an upper hand in your case. You can hire a private investigator if you are dealing with any type of litigation to see what the other side is doing. 30% to 40% of the time the opposing party is doing things illegally to get information to build their case against you. They may be violating privacy laws. Or even hired their own PI that is not doing things legally to get their information. Plan ahead and cover yourself. Let Verite Investigations help you with your case. When two people get divorced, dividing assets and deciding the terms of the separation can be a messy affair. When there are children involved, things become more complicated and emotions run much higher. Claims of abuse or neglect can determine which parent will retain custody of a child and under what conditions another parent can visit with their child. There are often claims of abuse or other factors that may determine a parent’s fitness; and these claims may or may not be true. In these cases, you need evidence to strengthen your case. When it comes to child custody investigations, the best interests of the child are key. A private investigator can conduct a child custody investigation on your behalf to ensure that your children are safe, and evidence that can help to establish the truth about your child’s welfare and safety in the courtroom. Types of Child Custody In order to understand the nature and purpose of child custody investigations, it’s important to understand what sorts of custody exist, and what class of custody you are seeking (or seeking to prove is not right for the child). Legal Custody: legal custody status gives a parent the right to make decisions regarding the child. Physical Custody: Having physical custody of your child means the child lives with you. Sole Custody: Sole custody means that the child both lives with you, and you have the right to make legal decisions regarding the child’s affairs. The other parent may have visitation rights, but has no say over the child’s affairs or where the child lives. Joint Legal Custody. If you have joint legal custody, both you and the child’s other parent have a say in decisions regarding the child. In the event of a major disagreement, the courts will become involved. Joint Physical Custody: In this case, the child splits their time between both parents’ custody. What the Courts Consider in Custody Cases When the courts decide custody, they are guided by the best interests of the child standard. Although the details may vary from state to state, Courts are required to take into account a number of factors that will assist in determining what custody arrangement will be in the child’s best interest. Obviously, if there is abuse, that will be a determining factor. The Courts will look at the overall picture including which parent is most capable of providing support to the child, where the child will be safest, the mental and physical needs of the parents and children, and what type of extended family network is available to help with raising the child. Each jurisdiction has its own laws that provide guidance to the courts as to how to determine the best interests of the child. Here are some common factors that the courts are likely to consider when determining the best interests of the child: The stability, health, lifestyle and schedules of each parent Whether prospective guardians have criminal records and/or activity Any evidence of child abuse or neglect If there are fraudulent or unfounded accusations by either parent against the other concerning abuse or neglect of the child Whether either parent has a history complaints of violence Drug and alcohol use (and abuse) Evidence of parenting skills Willingness and means to provide food, shelter, and education for the child The state of the home environment The morality and conduct of the parent The overall emotional and physical health of the parent The willingness of one parent to support a healthy and ongoing relationship between the child and the other parent If either parent has abducted or abandoned the child in defiance of court orders or legal process. Evidence of the parent’s care and affection for the child The financial health and standing of each parent Each parents’ past and current personal conduct The suitability and acceptability of the parent’s friends and other associates.