🧨 Family Law Friday: “Best Interest of the Child” — Not Code for ‘Who Buys the Fancier iPad’
Let’s clear something up real fast.
When the judge says they’re deciding custody based on the “best interest of the child,” they don’t mean:
Who makes the better Pinterest lunches
Who “wins” at co-parenting Instagram aesthetics
Or who upgraded their kid’s tablet to a $1,200 distraction device
Nope. The legal system (shockingly) does not reward the parent who throws the biggest birthday party or hosts the most “healing” yoga-and-gluten-free-granola weekends.
🧠 Here’s What Actually Matters (Sorry in Advance):
Michigan courts look at actual factors. Boring, unsexy stuff like:
Who has a stable home (and no, switching apartments every 3 months doesn’t count as “fun variety”)
Who actually takes their kid to the doctor
Who doesn’t have a new partner moving in every time they update their relationship status
Whether the child is thriving in school or therapy — not just thriving on TikTok
🔥 Real Talk:
“Best interest” isn’t about being the “favorite parent.” It’s about consistency, safety, and putting your kid’s needs ahead of your ego.
So if your version of “acting in your child’s best interest” involves bribing them with V-Bucks and badmouthing your ex to anyone who’ll listen at the grocery store? You’re not helping your case. You’re auditioning for a court-ordered parenting class.
🧷 And One More Thing:
The court doesn’t care if your ex still hasn’t returned the air fryer or once sent your kid to school in mismatched socks. That’s called life, not legal grounds.
📢 Final Verdict:
The best interest of the child is not a weapon. It’s a framework. And if you can’t stop using your kid as a pawn in your passive-aggressive chess match? The judge will notice. And you will lose.
📲 Got questions about custody, parenting time, or how to untangle this emotional mess with minimal damage to your kid’s future therapy bill?
💬 Slide into our DMs (professionally, please) or book a consult.
🛡️ Newburg Law – Your Family. Your Future. Your Foundation.