Third Party Custody & Guardianships

In most child custody matters, the disputes are between the parents themselves. Under some circumstances, however, the disputes may be between one (or both) of the parents and a person who is not the mother or father. The Michigan and U.S. Constitutions and existing case law give constitutional rights to natural parents for the custody of their own children. These rights can only be lost if the parents are not fit. On the other hand, the court will be persuaded to give custody to a third party when looking at the circumstances involved if it is presented with clear and convincing evidence that it is in the child’s best interests to be given to that third person. This is a custody award, not a termination of parental rights.

Musser Love, P.C. in Ann Arbor, Michigan is ready to discuss your legal issue, please call one of our skilled attorneys at (734) 677-0776 or contact Musser Love online or via e-mail.