Unmarried fathers experience various difficulties when seeking custody of their children. First, they must prove they are the child’s father. They do this by signing a legal form or taking a DNA test. After proving paternity, they must ask the court for custody or parenting time. Michigan law often grants custody to the mother initially. The father must show why he should share or have custody. The court will examine how much the father is involved in the child’s life. … Read More
What Rights Do Unmarried Fathers Have
What Factors Determine Interstate Child Custody
Parents face many issues when deciding custody across state lines. Long-distance moves can disrupt the child’s routine. It can hurt relationships. One parent may find it harder to stay involved. The child may leave friends behind. They may need to change schools. Travel costs make regular visits harder. Communication can also be more limited. Click here to watch the video on What Factors Determine Interstate Child Custody The court tries to keep the child’s life steady. It makes a schedule … Read More
What Happens if We Can’t Agree in Mediation
The main issue in family law cases is finding a fair solution that works for both sides. Parents worry about losing control over decisions. This often involves choices about their children. Going to court takes a long time. It costs a lot of money. Mediation offers a way to settle problems. It avoids having a judge decide. If mediation fails, families end up in a trial. Trials are more stressful. The final decision may not match what either side wanted. … Read More
What to Do if a Child is at Risk During Visitation
Parents worry when their child is in a risky situation. They might feel unsure about what steps to take. Speaking with the other parent is not always easy. Sometimes, they don’t agree on what is safe and what is not. This can cause arguments and stress. One parent may think the other parent does not understand the danger. They might feel they need to act fast, but they may not have enough proof for the court. Going to court takes … Read More
What to Do if Ex Owes Back Child Support
Many parents struggle to collect unpaid child support. Some parents refuse to pay. Others lose their jobs or have a lower income. This causes problems with making regular payments. It can create stress for the custodial parent who needs money for the child. The Friend of the Court (FOC) usually has a high number of cases to handle. This can slow down the process. The court may need to use stronger actions like wage garnishment. The court can also pull … Read More
How to Handle Parental Alienation Concerns
Parents dealing with parental alienation can have many problems. One parent may try to harm the child’s bond with the other parent. The child may become upset or scared of the other parent. The alienating parent may lie, block visits, or use hurtful words. They do this to turn the child against the other parent. These actions can confuse and hurt the child. It makes it hard for the other parent to keep a strong bond. Judges see this as … Read More
How Can Dads Get 50/50 Custody and Lower Support
Parents often have problems understanding child support rules. Many parents are confused by how time and income affect payments. Some think that 50/50 custody means no payments, but that’s not true if incomes are different. Wrong income reports can also make payments too high. Overpaying happens when parents do not update income records. Some parents do not know they can fix these errors. Extra costs like daycare or medical needs can also change support. This situation can make things very … Read More
How to Respond if Ex Got a PPO Against You
A PPO can create problems by limiting a parent’s ability to see their children. It may lead to supervised visits. It can restrict parenting time or stop visits completely. The parent might also face fines, legal fees, or jail time. False claims can damage a parent’s reputation. It can make legal issues more complicated. The accused parent must follow the PPO rules carefully to avoid more legal trouble. They should not contact the protected person or go to restricted places. … Read More
How Are Child Custody Issues Resolved in Same-Sex Divorces
Same-sex couples can face unique problems during a divorce. Courts often look at legal rights. Sometimes only one parent has those rights. This can make it hard for the other parent to get custody or visitation. Parents without legal ties may have fewer chances to be involved. Judges look at what benefits the child the most. This can sometimes lead to bias or unfair treatment. The process can be confusing and stressful without clear rules. Same-sex parents must show their … Read More
What Determines Alimony Duration
The main issue with alimony is making sure both spouses are treated fairly. One spouse might earn much more than the other. This can leave the lower-earning spouse worried about having enough money. They may have stopped working to care for the family. Now, they may need help paying for rent and food. Long marriages can make it harder for them to become independent. The court tries to balance the finances after years of shared responsibilities. Each case depends on … Read More