Child Custody
Child custody and parenting concerns arise in many legal arenas, so turn to the experts to help clarify and explain your best course of action.
Grand Rapids, MI (616) 243-3331
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Child custody
We are here to assist you with understanding how the State of Michigan views child custody. A child custody dispute is one of the most stressful and emotional arguments of your life. The State of Michigan uses a best interest test based on a number of factors to determine custody and parenting time.
Our goal is to help you understand how custody arrangements are decided and ensure there are no surprises. We understand that any family law case involving children is a difficult time. CAROLYN GASTON & ASSOCIATES, P.C. will help get the answers you need and get you the most favorable result.
Child Support
Michigan uses a Child Support formula to determine which parent will pay support and the amount. This formula uses a number of factors (income of each parent, number of overnight stays, etc.) to calculate the amount of support. Please call us at (616) 243-3331 and we'll walk you through this process.
Parenting Time / Visitation
Parenting time / visitation is determined by the court and based on what it determines is "in the best interest of the child/children". Michigan does push to ensure that a child will have visitation or "parenting time" with both parents. This order will cover weekends, overnight stays, holidays, and spring, summer, and winter breaks.
CAROLYN GASTON & ASSOCIATES is here to assist you in understanding the law and getting the best result for you. Please call us at (616) 243-3331.
Friend of the Court
The Friend of the Court (FOC) is designed to assist the courts with custody, child support, and parenting time. Friend of the Court ensures that parents obey court orders related to custody, child support, and parenting time. Early in the divorce process, FOC will also be called upon to make recommendations on important matters until parents can either agree or a court hearing decides the matter.
Please feel free to reach out to us at (616) 243-3331 with any questions.
Guardianships
Michigan law allows for temporary or permanent guardians for minor children. A guardian has the legal rights to make decisions affecting a child’s medical care, schooling, housing arrangements, and routine day–to-day activities.
We will assist you preparing your informational guardianship packet for probate court and provide guidance on acquiring letters of recommendation. A Petition for Appointment is required for both temporary and permanent guardianships in the State of Michigan.
Paternity
Paternity actions or disputes in Michigan can be requested by either the mother, father, or the State of Michigan. A paternity action is a lawsuit involving a child born outside of wedlock and focuses on the overall care of the child. Paternity will decide which parent has custody, parenting time or visitation, child support, and determine how uninsured medical expenses will be paid.
CAROLYN GASTON & ASSOCIATES, P.C. can assist you through the process. We recommend you hire us versus relying on the county prosecutor’s team. We will give your case the full attention it deserves and the matter will proceed much quicker through the court.
Revocation of Paternity
Paternity may be established via an Affidavit of Parentage. If you signed one and find out later the child is not actually biologically yours, we can assist you in reviewing whether you may be eligible for legal revocation of your status as legal father.
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Other practice areas
Divorce
We assist with divorce, child support, alimony, annulments, and legal separations.
Child Neglect
Michigan's CPS is reponsible for investigating any allegation of child neglect. We can assist in these matters. Call us today at (616) 243-3331.