Michigan Courts are required to follow twelve factors that are set out by law. The best interest of the child factors are an analysis that your judge must undertake before deciding the custody of the child or children. Over 9 out of 10 cases are settled by the parties. If you can't settle the issue of custody of the children, the judge must hold what’s called an “evidentiary hearing” or trial and listen to testimony from both sides before rendering a decision after analyzing the best interest factors. This is where your child custody attorney will come into play. Don't make the mistake of not having a family lawyer on your side.