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In a prior article, the plight of a Michigan father was addressed regarding the biological daughter he had with a woman who went on to later reconcile with her estranged husband. The man fell under the umbrella of an outdated Michigan law which states that the husband of a woman who bears a child is legally presumed to be the father of said child. According to this law, the biological father has no immediate legal right to visitation with the child. No access to a child they love would likely be a nightmare for most fathers.
This particular father has been fighting the court system since the issue arose and has recently made headway. On Tuesday, June 12, a package of laws were signed that allow fathers who pass a paternity test the chance to go to court to request child custody or visitation rights for them and their children, even if the mother is married to someone else. This father who has been fighting for rights to his child stated that Tuesday was a close second to his “best day ever” — the day his daughter was born.
The mother in this sad case left the area and was later involved in several alleged drug crimes with her husband, eventually leading to mounting charges and indictments against them. The daughter — rather than being reunited with her biological father — became a ward of the state and her paternal grandparents were awarded custody. Later reports indicate that the mother may have been sentenced only to probation for her role in the drug trafficking and for child neglect, and reportedly could be awarded custody of her daughter again.
No parent wants to find out that they will be separated from their children with potentially no rights whatsoever. This father stands as a strong example that fighting for our children can be beneficial and successful. Like many Michigan parents who fight for child custody, this father must now face the judge and a custody dispute. He never changed the pink and white bedroom of his home, and is hoping that after three years, his daughter will be home with him again.
Source: The Daily Tribune, “A fathers journey: Michigan man’s plight sparks change in state’s custody law,” Chad Selweski, June 15, 2012