There are a lot of facets to parenthood, but in the eyes of Michigan law, parenthood is a legal relationship. Under the law, parents have rights and responsibilities toward their children. Biological parents who live with their children may not have to think about them very often, but the legal aspects of parenthood become clear when the parents split up…
Children can have strong ties with individuals that are not biologically related to them. In matter where a child is living with a parent and their new spouse, it is easy for the child to look at their new stepparent as something more. For some children, a stepparent has a more significant role than the other biological parent has. Moreover,…
Blended families are common today, and a stepparent may want to formally adopt their stepchild, making their relationship legal and strengthening their bond. Although the stepparent adoption process can appear daunting or complex, a basic understanding of the requirements and steps involved will increase the chance of a smooth and efficient adoption. Terminating parental rights must come first Michigan, like…
For some Michigan stepparents, their stepchild is a wonderful addition to their family, and they love them very much. A stepparent can adopt a stepchild in Michigan through a court process. This can be a fulfilling event for both the stepparent and their stepchild. There is no set amount of time that a person needs to be a stepparent before…
In Michigan, parenting is not limited to a biological link between parent and child. In many cases, a stepparent has served as a child’s parent and provided support, nurturing, care, and a positive environment that adheres to the child’s best interests. To ensure that the relationship is viewed as one that legally links that parent and child even if they…
Adoption takes time and careful preparation. This is true even with stepparent adoption. It is a permanent commitment to the stepchild that comes with all of the rights and responsibilities of a parent, even in the event that the stepparent’s marriage with the child’s biological parent ends in divorce. Key requirements for stepparent adoption Stepparents who want to pursue adoption…
Many court rulings in Michigan are based on previous decisions. However, laws are always changing — as are family situations. This means that courts must look to the best interests of the child and this could mean setting a precedent. A Michigan man who raised a young boy since birth was recently allowed by a court to retain his parental…
In a move that could have far-reaching effects and establish legal precedents in Michigan and other states, a state Supreme Court ruled in favor of a woman who donated an egg cell which was used to artificially inseminate her partner, with the two women separating after the child’s birth. There was disagreement on whether state laws prohibit anonymous egg or…