Pro Bono Child Custody

Summary

The father, living in Lansing, Michigan, is seeking pro bono legal services for a child custody case. The mother left him and took the child, refusing to let the father see the child. The father has established paternity and filed for custody. The court will consider the best interests of the child in determining custody. The fathers financial situation, including income and expenses, will be considered for pro bono eligibility. The father has evidence to support his case and plans to provide a stable environment for the child.

Full Conversation

Lansing Michigan
Can you provide more details about the child custody case? For example, is it a divorce situation or a case of parental rights?
The mother and father were living together and almost * weeks ago she wrote him a letter and left him. She left the child with him. He asked his mom to take the child so the two could talk. Well later that day the mother and grandma went to his mom's house and took the child and is refusing to let the father see the child. Will not answer his calls or texts and won't answer the door
Has the father established legal paternity of the child? In Michigan, unmarried fathers must establish paternity to have custody rights.
He is the father. His name is on the birth certificate and the child looks like him.
What steps has the father taken so far to regain custody of his child?

In Michigan, if paternity is established, the father can file for custody or parenting time.
He filed with the court right away when she wouldn't respond to his efforts and then she served him with papers after she was served
What kind of papers did she serve him with? In Michigan, the court considers the best interests of the child when determining custody.
Joint custody I believe
What is the current status of the court proceedings regarding the joint custody?

In Michigan, joint custody can be granted if it's in the child's best interests. The court considers factors like emotional ties, capacity to provide love, affection, and guidance, etc.
The father and daughter have all that.
What is the next court date and has the father secured legal representation for the proceedings?
No court date. He is going to the court house today to drop off paperwork the gave him and will look on the computer at the court house to see if a court date is set
What type of paperwork is he dropping off at the courthouse?

In Michigan, the court will consider the best interests of the child when determining custody. It's important to prepare all necessary documents and evidence.
He is looking for a probono if possible attorney.
What is the financial situation of the father? In Michigan, pro bono legal services are often provided to those who cannot afford an attorney.
Not real sure. He delivers parts. Just got full time.
What is the father's annual income? This information is crucial in determining eligibility for pro bono services. In Michigan, many pro bono programs require the client's income to be below a certain threshold.
I do not know that.
Does the father have any other dependents or financial obligations? This information can also affect eligibility for pro bono services.
No other children. He is renting a house they shared together and is paying utilities is all the financial obligations
What is the father's monthly income and expenses? This information is crucial to determine his eligibility for pro bono services. In Michigan, income and expenses are considered for pro bono eligibility.
I don't know his income at all
Can you provide any information about his monthly expenses? This can help determine his eligibility for pro bono services.
He pays over $* in rent and what ever the utilities are
What is the father's monthly utility bill? In Michigan, income and expenses are considered for pro bono eligibility.
Don't know?
Does the father have any other sources of income or financial support?
No
What is the father's current living situation? Is he living alone or with someone else?
Living alone.
Does the father have any evidence to support his case for custody, such as text messages, emails, or witnesses?
Yes.
What type of evidence does the father have to support his case for custody?
Witnesses that she is unstable. Found a journal of hers. Not sure what is in it.
What does the journal contain that might be relevant to the case? In Michigan, evidence of instability can be considered in custody decisions.
Don't know?
What is the father's plan for child care while he is at work?
Not sure? I haven't asked to many questions.
I have not asked to many questions about that.
What is the father's plan for child care while he is at work? It's important to show the court that he can provide a stable environment for the child.
I'm sure he has a plan. I just don't know what that is.
What is the father's plan for providing a stable and nurturing environment for the child?
He is renting a house. It will be just him and his daughter living there. He has support from a big family and friends that are very close.
What is the father's plan for the child's education and healthcare?
A lot of questions I cannot answer. I just know he puts his daughter and her needs first. I am sure he has a plan for everything.
What is the father's plan for the child's medical insurance?
She may have medical insurance now?
Does the father have any information about the child's current medical insurance coverage? In Michigan, both parents are generally expected to contribute to medical expenses.
I'm assuming he does?
What is the name of the court where the father filed his case?
In Lansing
What is the full name of the father? This will help in finding pro bono legal services in Lansing, Michigan.
Can I get the father to chat with you more?
Yes, it would be helpful to chat directly with the father to better understand his situation and provide more accurate information.
Can he chat with you, since you know most of it?
Yes, he can chat with us. We can provide more accurate information and guidance if we communicate directly with him.
Is there a number he can chat with you or call?
I'm sorry, but as an online service, we don't offer phone support. He can chat with us here or email us at support@freelawchat.com.
Ok. Thank you for your time.
Can the father provide any evidence of his financial situation, such as pay stubs or bank statements?

General Information:
- In Michigan, the court considers the best interests of the child when determining custody.
- Lansing District Court: * W Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI *, Phone: (*) *-*
- Pro bono services are often provided to those who cannot afford an attorney.
I'll get with him today and have him contact you.
What is the father's full name? This will help us to provide more personalized assistance when he contacts us.