Legal Question in Family Law in Michigan

My child's father and I just signed the order for child support in Macomb County, Michigan. It hasn't been signed by a judge yet (they said 6-8 weeks). The father, thinking that if he has my daughter 50% of the time he will not have to pay support, is angrily threatening to "take me to court" to have equal parenting time. He's unemployed and so is his wife, so I doubt he has the money to do this, but I'm not going to risk my daughter's wellfare on it. I have some serious concerns about his household -- he has no license, the wife uses pain medications like candy, and my daughter is constantly coming back with rashes from poor bathroom hygiene (she's 3 and needs help wiping, which she clearly does not get). Plus he lives an hour away. These are just a few of the issues. I have been allowing day-long visits but no overnights; I know I will have to allow overnights soon, but with these concerns, what am I legally or ethically required to allow him between now and when the judge signs the order? Will I have a case for limiting parenting time and preventing him from getting 50% if he chooses to go before a judge? And finally, do I need to get an attorney on board, even it's on a "just in case" basis? As a note: he and I were never married, he has paid no support in the past year, and she has lived with me, happily. Thanks for any answers!


Asked on 2/08/12, 12:49 am

2 Answer from Attorneys
Timothy Klisz Klisz Law Office, PLLC

Your facts are very complex, do I won't weigh in with an opinion of what might happen in court with a judge, but I will explain that you absolutely need an attorney. Even if just for consultation if it never goes to court. If in court, an attorney is an absolute must! Tim Klisz

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Answered on 2/08/12, 5:02 am


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