In Mid-Michigan, particularly within the Ingham, Clinton, Eaton, and Jackson circuit courts, family court judges are increasingly losing patience with “high-conflict” litigation. A recent appellate affirmation highlights a growing trend: the court will rescind a parent’s decision-making authority over the child not as a punishment for being “bad,” but as a logistical necessity when communication between the parents falters.

The Local Legal Landscape: Ingham County and Beyond

While the Plachta case originated in Genesee County, the legal principles are being applied strictly across Lansing and its neighboring counties. Mid-Michigan courts emphasize the “Best Interest Factors” found in MCL 722.23, specifically focusing on the ability of parents to cooperate, coparent, and make decisions based on the benefits to their child rather than the dislike for the other parent.

1. Joint Legal Custody is a Privilege, Not a Guarantee

In Mid-Michigan custody cases, joint legal custody assumes that two adults can rationally discuss school enrollment, surgeries, and religious upbringing without a mediator present. If the Friend of the Court (FOC) determines that every minor disagreement turns into a $2,000 legal bill, they can recommend changing to Sole Legal Custody. This doesn’t mean the other parent is “unfit” in a CPS sense; it means they are functionally incapable of teamwork in their child’s best interest.

2. The High Cost of “Vexatious Litigation”

Ingham County judges (similar to Eaton County, Livingston County, and Ionia County judges) are particularly wary of “motion-happy” parents. Filing dozens of requests over extracurricular activities, medical appointments, school functions, or minor scheduling tweaks creates a “paper trail of dysfunction.”

• The Risk: The court may view excessive filings as a sign that the parties cannot agree on anything, triggering a re-evaluation of the joint custody order.
• The Result: To protect the child’s stability, the judge will appoint a “tie-breaker,” which usually means giving one parent 100% of the voting power.

3. Special Needs and the “Urgency” Factor

For families in the Lansing area dealing with specialized hospitals like Sparrow or McLaren, the need for quick decision-making is paramount. When a child has special needs, the court cannot afford to let a child’s health hang in the balance while parents argue in a hallway. If you cannot reach a middle ground, the court will designate only one parent as the sole decision-maker to ensure the child’s needs are met promptly.

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Strategic Takeaways for Mid-Michigan Parents

The Behavior	The Judicial Perception	The Likely Outcome
Constant Re-litigation	Inability to co-parent/Harassment	Loss of legal custody
Obstructing Medical Care	Child endangerment/Power play	Sole decision-making to the other parent; Possible CPS involvement
Alienation Tactics	Emotional abuse of the child	Drastic changes in physical parenting time; orders requiring the child to attend counseling; orders requiring the parents to attend counseling; programs designed to alleviate the effects of a parent’s alienating conduct.

Moving Forward

If you find yourself stuck in a cycle of toxicity, it is vital to pivot your strategy before a judge decides you are the problem. Courts in Lansing, St. Johns, Charlotte and Jackson are looking for the “reasonable” parent. That often means the parent focused on the child, rather than the other parent. 

Consult with an Attorney

If you need help navigating a divorce or custody case here in Mid-Michigan, the family law team at The Kronzek Firm is here to help. One of our very experienced attorneys can evaluate your specific circumstances and assist you by

• Explaining your rights and responsibilities
• Communicating with CPS on your behalf when necessary
• Helping resolve disputes
• Challenging false allegations
• Navigating court and custody proceedings

📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you navigate your Michigan divorce, pets and all. You can reach our Farmington Hills office 24/7 by calling (517) 886-100. We’ve represented clients in divorce cases for more than 30 years. We have proven results with thousands of clients. 

[Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for personalized guidance.]