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Michigan Child Custody Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Michigan on
Q: Can I take my brother's kids if he is on heroin?

My brother and his girlfriend are addicted to heroin. Neither currently have a job or any way to support themselves, and are in massive debt. They have two small children (5 and 3). I am planning on calling CPS tomorrow (we live in Michigan). He has also admitted to our step-father that he has beat... View More

Neil Colman
Neil Colman
answered on May 4, 2017

With established drug addiction, it is very likely the children will be removed from the unsafe, unhealthy environment. As a family member, you could request that the children be placed with you or other family members can step up and ask for the children's placement.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Michigan on
Q: My friend missed her court date for custody of her daughter, what can she do?

The reason for her missing the court date is because the post office misplaced her key to her mail box when she moved into her new apartment in February of this year, and it took them until this past week to get it to her. Another factor in this case is the father was only just recently recognized... View More

Neil Colman
Neil Colman
answered on May 4, 2017

There's no legal advice that can be given under the information provided. I will say that she should find a way to "afford an attorney" as issues relating to custody are very complex. She should hire an experienced family law attorney who can then file the appropriate legal documents... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Michigan on
Q: Can my daughter father take phone privileges away from her talking to me?

We met with the FOC mediator in 2013 and were told that she can call me nightly at 7:30 pm, but when I requested the paperwork for this, it's not in my file, his step mothers best friend is our caseworker. He has threatened for a long to stop letting her talk to me. On March 28th he told me I... View More

Neil Colman
Neil Colman
answered on May 3, 2017

When you met with the FOC mediator, was it one of the FOC referees? Was there a statement of this agreement recorded by the FOC or the mediator? If so, you can order a transcript of what was stated on the recording. Short of that, you should consider retaining the services of an experienced and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Child Custody for Michigan on
Q: How can I get a lawyer for a sexual assault case? Or free consultation?

I need help from a lawyer asap. Sexual assault by my ex husband that has not gone to court cause we were still legally married and the prosecutor said it would be hard to get conviction with only our babies as witnesses. Can someone help me?

Neil Colman
Neil Colman
answered on May 3, 2017

Are you seeking assistance about a criminal prosecution? Only the prosecutor can authorize a criminal charge once the prosecutor has reviewed the facts presented to determine if there is sufficient evidence to obtain a conviction.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Michigan on
Q: If my husband signs a parentage of affidavit for a child that's not his can he revoke it
Neil Colman
Neil Colman
answered on May 2, 2017

That would depend on a number of factors which must be explored. In Michigan there is an act called the Revocation of Paternity Act (ROPA) which sets forth certain requirements necessary for one to avail himself of the relief available for revoking paternity. You should consult with an experienced... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for Michigan on
Q: my 17 yr old live with my ex. He wants to run away and live with me. How do I stop child support?

Under MI law, I know we cannot force him to go back to the other parent after he is 17. I am ok with him living here. I just want to know what I would need to do to stop paying child support as I would be supporting him here.

Neil Colman
Neil Colman
answered on May 1, 2017

First, you would have to get an Order changing custody of your son. I recommend that you engage the services of an experienced and knowledgeable family law attorney who can give you guidance. The attorney would either see if the other parent would agree to change custody and stop support, or the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Michigan on
Q: If my children father has full custody and goes to work release for 10 days can I gain full custody back

I have my children at this time while he's in work release he's not fit for my children and there is multiple cps cases for him because of abuse and drug use yet the court still let's him have custody I want my babies back

Neil Colman
Neil Colman
answered on May 1, 2017

Without knowing the historical background it is impossible to answer your question. Are the children products of a marriage, or were they born out of wedlock? Why does he have "full" custody and not you? What "skeletons" might be in your closet? How long has he had... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Michigan on
Q: My kids have there fathers last name but havent seen him over than 6 yrs what can i do to get full custody
Neil Colman
Neil Colman
answered on May 1, 2017

Not easy to answer without knowing more of the history of the matter. Is there a court case involving custody, support, and parenting time filed? Were the children products of a marriage, or were they born out of wedlock? Is there already a court order in place regarding custody of the children?... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Michigan on
Q: Refusing to sign a proposed order modifying temporary order

We recently met with the referee of the court. She requested we try to sort it out ourselves with our lawyers before starting the meeting. I hastily agreed verbally to a parenting schedule I am not happy with. In front of the referee I was asked to say I had agreed.

The next day I had... View More

Neil Colman
Neil Colman
answered on May 1, 2017

More likely than not the other lawyer will file a motion to enter an order consistent with what was placed on the record before the referee. Courts often do not allow for "buyer's remorse." Have a heart to heart talk with your attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: How do I get out of default being served divorce papers. I didn't know custody was part of our divorce agreement.

I was served divorce papers and didn't contest our divorce we both want it. I did not know our custody was part of that because it never said on the papers. So I got served default papers, is there a way to amend that since he wants to keep my children from me?

Neil Colman
Neil Colman
answered on May 1, 2017

When did you get served with the divorce paperwork? A divorce action addresses all issues including property settlement, custody, parenting time, as well as spousal support (alimony). The summons you were served with states that you have 21 days in which to file an answer to the Complaint for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, Adoption and Child Custody for Michigan on
Q: My babies father got deported, I'm going for adoption. He is against it, what now? What are his rights?
Kyndra L Mulder
Kyndra L Mulder
answered on Mar 30, 2017

Depending on the circumstances the father may have the right to prevent the adoption. I suggest you speak with an attorney familiar with adoption law.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Probate for Michigan on
Q: What if both parents don't come to probate court will the child go back to the Guardian and the Guardian don't

The Guardian don't want that child

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Mar 25, 2017

The Court will generally not impose responsibilities on a 'guardian' if the guardian declines to act. Without knowing all the facts however, it is impossible to know exactly what will happen in Court. Has the guardian ALREADY accepted the responsibility? Is there some sort of change in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Divorce for Michigan on
Q: How do I find the paper work to Amend my divorce?

I have three children and my ex-husband (their father) is $3000 behind on his support and I have full custody. He does not see the kids at all. He still gets to claim the kids this year, so I would like to change it so if he's more than 4 weeks behind he can not claim them the following years.... View More

Mr Scott Marshall Neuman
Mr Scott Marshall Neuman
answered on Nov 21, 2016

Try writing it up as a motion and filing it in your divorce court. I'm not sure if such a motion would be granted.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Michigan on
Q: Chances of 50/50 w/ current 25/75 court order w/ mom as primary? Previously agreed (not court order) 40/60- went awesome

Just completed court ordered 50/50 summer time custody- went great. After dad asking to stick to 50/50 for school year mom went back on previous non court ordered agreement to every other Wed-Sun night. Court order is every other Fri-Sun. Would like to know chances of 50/50. Would like on minimum... View More

Mr Scott Marshall Neuman
Mr Scott Marshall Neuman
answered on Sep 20, 2016

Without approval of the other parent, to change a custody order you would have to prove by clear and convincing evidence that such a change is based on the best interest factors of the child.

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: my husband says he wants a divorce. Can I move my son out of MI

I cannot support myself no job and no drivers license I have no family here that can help get me stable can me and my son move out of state to live with family

Mr Scott Marshall Neuman
Mr Scott Marshall Neuman
answered on Jul 9, 2016

No. Tou may violate the parental kidnapping statute. You must retain a competent attorney

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Michigan on
Q: The mother of my children refuses to pick kids up in the am when I work thus me almost loosing my job. What can I do

She only has them at the most 8hrs a day and I wanna kno how I can make things more even? Thanks

Robert Champion
Robert Champion
answered on Aug 8, 2014

First, do you have a Court order stating what time the child must be picked up? If not - you need one. You need a specific time. Then, you need to log the days she is supposed to pick up the child and what time she actually arrives. Once you can document a pattern of her failing to comply with... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Michigan on
Q: My daugher her 2 kids are living with me. I want to have someone move in. Can I do that without jeopardizing custody?
Kelly Lambert
Kelly Lambert
answered on Jul 18, 2014

Unless that person has a background where they could be determined dangerous to children (drugs, criminal, CPS, etc) or this person moving in would make it so the children did not have adequate sleeping arrangements, this should not jeopardize custody.

Kelly G Lambert III

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Michigan on
Q: I want my dad to have custody over me but still be able to see my mom I am 14 what do I do?

My mom doesn't let me say what I want to say I feel like her mold and I think I might have depression I wanna live with my dad. Is there a way. Will my siblings get taken away from her if I do leave?

Kelly Lambert
Kelly Lambert
answered on Jun 30, 2014

This is something that your parents need to discuss, not you. Should your father want to pursuit custody of you, he would need to file a motion. Through that process, the judge or the Friend of the Court may interview you about how you feel about things. It is possible for him to have custody of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Michigan on
Q: In Michigan can a Summons and Complaint be served after the expiration date has expired???
Nicholas Leydorf
Nicholas Leydorf
answered on Mar 16, 2011

Not unless the Plaintiff has filed a motion to extend the expiration date. Even if the summons and complaint have expired, the Plaintiff can file the complaint again and serve it within the new expiration date.

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