Legal Question in Family Law in Michigan

Re: sibling rights

Unfortunately, you fall through the cracks of the law. You can find your sister if you want by getting some inexpensive investigator to do a skip check on the father. Get as much information as you can, such as the birthdate of the father, his social security number, etc. You'll find the girl. Then simply contact her. I know it sounds stupid, but if he gives you a problem, call the Family Protective Services in the county that he is located in and tell them that the father is keeping the girl from important family members. Maybe you'll get some help. Bill Stern

Re: sibling rights

Sorry to hear about the entire family situation . . . that is really too bad.

I'm sorry to say that I don't know of a provision in the law that would specifically permit a sibling to have visitation with another sibling in a situation like this.

A hot issue right now in Michigan is whether grandparents have "grandparenting" time, and at the moment the answer is a qualified "no".

With that said, does a court have an order in place that affects your little sister? Did your mother have custody and there was a change of custody after your mother's death? If so, there MAY be an avenue there.

I would check with FIA and see if they can help you. I would also check with the probate court in the county that your mother resided in prior to her death and see if they have any information in the file, and specifically if there is an order that may address the siblings (you and your sister) and creates any rights for you.

But, you have a very difficult issue. Good luck.

Tom Weiss