We need expeditious decisions based upon a complete record, which reduce litigation costs, hasten the fade of acrimony, and foster more consistent and well-reasoned decisions. Instead, custody decisions come after many months or years. Costs increase, acrimony perpetuates, and decisions are based upon pieces and parts litigation. Perhaps, docket congestion can be blamed for litigation woes. Judicial apathy certainly contributes.
Judicial loathing can additionally create decisions which are cursory, delayed and inconsistent.
The judiciary's and bar's failure to pursue ongoing legal education contributes to the cause, as well. Whatever the cause, custody litigation is rarely, if ever, addressed within 56 days. Precedence for custody cases over other civil cases is unrealistic, in practice. One can hardly argue that full, undivided attention to the children is possible with a system that cannot hear their case expeditiously or fully in one session. When a criminal defendant out on bond or a person with a broken arm is given more attention and respect than a child, it is a sad day for Michigan children.