Legal Question in Family Law in Michigan

Have a serious child support and custody issue

Have just been served child support papers. My X lives in Michigan and I live in Texas with fiance and son. She has my daughter and has since birth. I was paying some money not court ordered to her for a little bit since she was born then she denied me visiation to see my daughter so I stoped sending money. I know that was the wrong thing to do. I got laid off or I would have hired a lawyer to get custody then. the summons is for April 20th but I cant be there and I need help. The mother bounces from job to job and from house to house. I have offered everything but what she wants. She wants me to leave my fiance and child to be with her before she will let me see her. I have offered plane tickets hotel ect. My family has also offered and she always says no you need to come here. I need some help and some advice. I also need someone who is willing to take cheap payments...I am supporting my fiance and child.


Asked on 2/03/06, 11:13 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
William Stern William Stern, P.C.

Re: Have a serious child support and custody issue

I know that you already know this, but you are like a guy who has failed to change his oil and wants the mechanic to rebuild his engine for $500 because of his rotten luck. You need a lawyer, not necessarily a super expensive one, but a reasonable and competent lawyer. Figure on paying $150 to $200 an hour. You need a motion to reduce support and to work out a payment plan for past due amounts. You also need an order for specific visitation. Then, you have to be ready to enforce this order. Once the child's mother realizes that you are going to have the child without her present and maybe even have the child in your state, she won't be so anxious to press on. William S. Stern

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Answered on 2/04/06, 10:53 am

Re: Have a serious child support and custody issue

Mr. Sterns advice is correct. I will add that cheap payments will get you a cheap lawyer. Cheap lawyers know what they're worth.

When you get sick, do you go looking for a cheap doctor. If so, you've proven that you're not that intelligent and so you'll deserve a cheap lawyer. If on the other hand, you want a good doctor, you probably ought to have a good lawyer. I suggest good rather than cheap.

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Answered on 2/04/06, 4:01 pm


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