Tag: Child Neglect Defense Attorney
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How to Terminate a Guardianship of a Minor Child in Michigan
In Michigan, guardianship gives a non-parent legal authority over a minor child. Guardianship of a minor child can be established voluntarily, through a parent’s consent, or involuntarily by court order when a parent is unable to provide proper care. Guardianship is not necessarily permanent, and if you are seeking to end a guardianship, you should…
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Guardianship in Michigan: Attorney Brandy Thompson Explains
When CPS becomes involved, speaking with an experienced attorney who understands your options is crucial. Consulting with an experienced CPS attorney is the best way to know which options are best for you, based on your circumstances. In this blog, we’ll explore the option of guardianship in Michigan child welfare cases, including cases in Ingham…
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Neglectful Parent v. Incorrigible Child: What the decision in In Re D. V. Lange tells us
When a child’s mental health needs escalate, parents may face choosing between household safety and neglect allegations. Michigan courts are often asked to decide where that line is drawn—particularly when a parent has exhausted treatment options but still cannot safely bring a child home. The case discussed below addresses this exact dilemma and clarifies how…
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What to Expect During a CPS Home Visit in Michigan
If a report has been made against you to Michigan Child Protective Services (CPS), it’s normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed. A CPS investigation can be incredibly intrusive and emotionally draining, especially when you’re not sure what to expect. When there is a report of child abuse or neglect, Michigan CPS normally begins an investigation…
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Understanding the CPS Investigation Process in Michigan
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is responsible for opening a Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation when a report of child abuse or neglect is made. CPS will only open an investigation if the report includes an allegation of actual abuse or neglect, not suspected. For example, if someone makes a report…
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Understanding Your Rights During a CPS Investigation in Michigan
Becoming the subject of a Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation can be very overwhelming for families. Knowing the process of a CPS investigation, what your rights are, and what you should do during an investigation can help ease the stress and could make a substantial difference in the outcome of the investigation. What Does CPS…
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Michigan CPS Removal of a Child and What to Do
In Michigan, Child Protective Services (CPS) is not supposed to remove a child from their home unless an investigation reveals exigent circumstances or an immediate risk of abuse or neglect. To have exigent circumstances, CPS would need to believe that abuse or neglect is occurring based on the information they have and that the child…
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Surveillance Versus Safety: What is CPS Involvement Really Doing to Struggling Families?
When a teacher sees a child who doesn’t have a winter coat that fits, or a doctor realizes that a child they’re seeing for a Wellchild check up is clearly hungry, what do they do? In most cases, they call the CPS hotline and report suspected neglect. But is that what they should be doing?…
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Why Are Poor Parents Often Assumed to be Neglectful Parents?
Stop and think about it. A kid without a coat in winter could be neglected by their parents. Or they could be from a poor family who is struggling to keep the lights on and food on the table. Coats aren’t cheap (even second-hand ones can be pricey!). So which is it? And what should…
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When is it Okay to Leave Your Child Unattended in Michigan?
This is a question we get asked a lot by parents who are caught up in protracted battles with CPS over the issue of child neglect. And the truth is, it can be a little challenging to answer. Because there isn’t a one-size-fits-all response. After all, there are a lot of factors involved in deciding…