Legal Question in Family Law in Michigan

Co-habitation w/ a child

I have lived with the father of my 4 year old girl for 6 years. I have left him and gone with my girl several times to shelters for survivors of domestic violence during those years, only to come back b/c he promised to change. I was not allowed to work, and everything is his. The house, cars, credit cards, bank accounts. He made sure it was this way so that I could not leave. I experienced physical, verbal, financial, and emotional abuse. I recently left again due to another episode of violence. I am not going back this time. I am staying with a good girlfriend, as well as my parents. Neither can financially support me or my daughter. The father is not on the birth certificate, but has had confirmed paternity. I have raised her from birth, and she has always been with me. She has no desire to go back there. Tim and I agreed to not go through FOC, but I am left with no financial support. Do I have a right to get a lump sum of money so I can buy a car, since I lived w/him for so long? Also, am I considered the custodial parent of my daughter at this point? I have filed for state assistance, however I am in desperate need for a car.

1. Can I get a lump sum of cash from him considering above circumstance?

2. Am I the custodial?


Asked on 2/19/09, 11:33 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Jack Jaffe Legal Center of Jack L. Jaffe

Re: Co-habitation w/ a child

You need to file a case for child support, custody, etc., with the court. I can help you with this and ask that you call to discuss further.

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Answered on 2/19/09, 12:00 pm


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