Full Answer
Contrary to popular belief, there is no age in Michigan when the child can unilaterally decide which parent to live with other than after age 18. The preference of the child, however, is one of the many considerations that the judge will consider when making decisions regarding child custody or parenting time.
age 18Some people mistakenly believe that when a child reaches a certain age in Michigan that child may choose what parenting time they should have with each parent. That is not true. In Michigan the child must be an adult, age 18, before he/she can decide with whom they will live.
Usually, attorneys charge by the hour with rates ranging between $100 to $450 per hour. But the average cost for a child custody lawyer is between $1200 and $4500.
In Michigan, if an individual is financially unable to hire an attorney for an abuse or neglect petition in the family court, they don't have to then defend themselves. Instead, Michigan offers the individual a court-appointed attorney.
The Reigning King of What Can Be Used Against You in a Custody Battle: Verbal or Physical Altercations. We wanted to start with the most simple pitfall to avoid: When tempers get high, it's quite alluring to get into a verbal sparring match with your ex-spouse.
Age 18Legally, Your Child Can Refuse Visitation at Age 18 When your child reaches 18, he or she is an adult. Adults can decide who they spend time with. You will not be able to force your child to continue to see you. A family law court will no longer be able to enforce any possession or visitation clauses over an adult.
There is no standard time frame and it can take between 6 to 12 months to achieve a final order. In most cases, it will take around six to eight weeks from when you first apply for the preliminary court hearing (step 4 above) to take place.
As a general rule, you can expect to pay an attorney $100 to $400 per hour, though higher fees are common, and lower fees are sometimes possible.
The fixed retainer fee is a predetermined fee paid on a lump sum, in advance of any legal work to be performed. In corporations, for example, a general corporate retainer would include general corporate services such as drafting minutes and board resolutions, secretary's certifications, ant the like.
Parental Rights in Michigan Unmarried fathers have the right to claim paternity (Notice of Intent to Claim Paternity) before or after a child is born. Unmarried fathers have no right to support or visitation if the mother was married during the birth of the child (must mutually establish paternity first).
Factors Judges Use to Determine if a Parent is UnfitThe safety, health, and welfare of the child.Evidence of a history of abuse or violence against the child, another child, the child's other parent, or another romantic partner.A parent's history of substance abuse, including drugs and alcohol.More items...•
MediationYou and your ex-partner agree child arrangements rather than having a judge make the decisions for you.Mediation is quicker, cheaper and less stressful than resolving disputes in court.It is easier for you and your ex-partner to review and change arrangements if you need to do so.More items...