Opinion ID: 836190
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: plaintiff's burden of proof on remand

Text: Given our conclusion that Mason incorrectly interpreted MCL 722.25(1), we remand this case for reevaluation under the correct legal standards. [62] On remand, the circuit court shall conduct a new best interests hearing in which it must consider all relevant, up-to-date information. [63] At that hearing, the court shall apply MCL 722.25(1) in defendant's favor. The court shall not grant custody to plaintiffs unless plaintiffs demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that custody with defendant does not serve the children's best interests. [64] In order to make this showing, plaintiffs must prove that all relevant factors, including the existence of an established custodial environment and all legislatively mandated best interest concerns within [MCL 722.23], taken together clearly and convincingly demonstrate that the child's best interests require placement with the third person. [65]