Sole Legal Custody Considerations for Indonesian Professionals in Michigan

As many Indonesian professionals are well aware, traveling to the United States for work can bring with it a host of challenges, legal requirements and restrictions. One significant consideration for those who are parents is the issue of potential comprehensive sole legal custody arrangements during the time that they are residing in Michigan on temporary assignments. When a parent holds “sole legal custody” of a child there is no need to obtain permission from the other biological parent in order to make important decisions related to the child’s welfare, including school enrollment, religious instruction, and medical treatment. Often, the non-custodial parent may have parenting time and even physical custody, but s/he cannot dictate major decisions for the child while the child is in his/her care.

“Physical custody” refers to where the child lives. When parents share physical custody, they may agree about the level of responsibility each has for the child’s daily care, from what happens during their time together to education, health care and more. When examining the legal realities in Michigan, it’s important to understand why the issue of sole legal custody can be such an important matter when considering travel or relocation in Michigan. For instance, is it possible to seek legal assistance to obtain sole legal custody if conflicts arise regarding a child traveling with just one parent in an arrangement that doesn’t confer sole legal custody?

The implications of legal custody for international professionals are significant. Because of the stipulations related to legal custody, it is important to fully understand how this can impact the plans of international professionals who anticipate not only temporary relocation but also business trips to Michigan. Notably, this can lead to a challenging situation in which a person may be obligated to travel for work, but she/he also faces potential legal ramifications as the parent of a child who could be left in the care of a person who wrongfully obtains custody rights.

In effect, an Indonesian professional must weigh the likelihood and risks associated with sole legal custody against the business necessity of traveling and working abroad. While in many cases, arrangements can be made that satisfy legal specifications regarding custody, each situation is unique and it is always recommended that the possibility of obstacles to custodial arrangements be assessed with the help of a legal professional.

Legal professionals can help Indonesian citizens understand and comply with legal stipulations. Some of the factors that must be taken into account when an Indonesian professional is attempting to navigate this unique legal terrain include: Although dealing with these issues may not be the first consideration of any professional embarking on an international assignment, understanding the particulars can make all the difference in achieving peace of mind and positive outcomes when conducting business abroad.