If you have a custody agreement, then the only thing that matters is whether she - and you - are complying with its terms. If you two are making further agreements, that's cool, but understand that an agreement isn't an agreement unless both parties agree. When one party says "we... View More

You could do a step-parent adoption. There are standard SCAO forms to help with this, but there would be costs and fees associated.

Yes, as a parent he can petition the court for a divorce and request a possession/visitation schedule with his children.

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answered on Aug 24, 2023

In Michigan, child custody arrangements are typically determined based on the best interests of the children. If your ex-wife had legal custody of your children and has passed away, her parents may have taken temporary physical custody. However, as the biological parent, you may have rights to seek... View More

There's some variables to consider here, but generally, the back pay (arrearages) do not go away; she would still owe you that amount. You would, however, have your own support obligation.

The reason being is that child support is intended to be contemporary, reflecting what is... View More

You certainly can. Many have tried; few have succeeded. I would suggest you contact a local attorney familiar with the court and type of law you are involved in before proceeding to be sure you are not misunderstanding something.

Yes. That doesn't necessarily mean they are not working with a lawyer; it just means that an attorney hasn't officially entered an appearance with the court and so to the court, the person is unrepresented.

Great question. To my knowledge, all supervision agencies would require on-site visits for liability reasons (they don't want their employees out some place they can't really control and in what could be a volatile situation). While not ideal (it costs time, money, and let's face it:... View More

In all cases where children are involved, whether as victims or witnesses, the police would contact Child Protective Services (CPS). That agency is responsible for the investigation, removal, and possibly placement of children in abusive or neglectful situations.

If a parent is arrested... View More

Very much case dependent, but generally two years. Abandonment includes no child support; if the person is paying or providing support, you're going to have a hard time proving abandonment.

You don't necessarily need a lawyer for this, but where you'll probably want to look is the circuit court in the county your parents were divorced in. Ask for a copy of the "judgement of divorce".

Not to be funny or imply anything untoward, but I've seen it happen... View More

I can only assume your ex is doing this without an attorney, otherwise I'd be loath to explain the subpoena to a judge....

I suggest you retain an attorney. There are likely procedures your ex is not following that can be exploited to your benefit.

No. And in fact, the court conducts in camera interviews with children in custody disputes; they do not testify in open court.

Her being a supervisor is not your issue. You need to focus on addressing the allegations.

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answered on Feb 26, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation you are facing. To answer your questions:

Generally, a parent cannot take a child out of the country without the other parent's permission, especially if there is a custody agreement in place. If your husband takes your son to India... View More

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answered on Feb 26, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you're facing. To answer your first question, if both parents have legal custody of a child, it is generally not permissible for one parent to take the child out of the country without the other parent's permission. If your husband were to... View More

You can file a motion to address this parenting time situation or file a motion for a change of custody.

Just know that with her having sole custody, it's you that needs to do the pulling and pushing here to make change.

Too broad of question to answer effectively. Did you go to jail, prison, or both? How long? Were your parental rights terminated, or was custody just changed to the other parent?

If your parental rights were not terminated, you have an uphill climb, but you'll want to work with an... View More

Your son has the same rights as the mother. Both parents should be informed of all doctors appointments. When it comes to contrary forms of treatment, that's when things get hairy. Ultimately, a motion may need to be filed so the court can order a particular doctor, or in extreme cases, one... View More

Download a copy of MC 416 from the State Court Administrator's Office website. That will tell you all the information you need to submit.