Drafting the Affidavit Yourself Understand the purpose of your affidavit. Check for affidavit forms. Create the caption. Title your affidavit. Identify yourself and your relationship to the party in the case. Describe your background. Write about your observations. Format your signature block.
Filing for Child Custody in Michigan: 5 Steps Step 1: Determine your type of case. Step 2: Complete your forms. Step 3: Submit your forms to open the case. Step 4: Serve the other parent. In-person service. Certified mail service. Step 5: Wait for the other parent to respond. Preparing for what comes next.
Provide a concise summary of the key issues and events pertaining to the custody situation. Focus on highlighting factors that would be in the best interests of any children involved, such as stability, safety, and meeting the children's needs. Avoid making accusations or attacking your former spouse directly.
Disrespectful Language : Avoid using any form of disrespect, such as insults, sarcasm, or derogatory remarks about the judge, the opposing party, or even the legal system. Negative Comments About the Other Parent : Speaking poorly about the other parent can reflect badly on you. Emotional Outbursts
One of the most effective ways to strengthen your case is to provide concrete evidence of your role as a caregiver. Document your involvement in your child's life by keeping detailed records of things like doctor's appointments, school activities, extracurricular engagements, and any other significant events.
Children spend every weekend (Friday afternoon to Monday morning) with the noncustodial parent. You can customize this to fit your situation with Custody X Change. A common 70/30 schedule in Michigan, the every weekend schedule, has children visit the noncustodial parent one evening per week, plus every other weekend.
The server must do the following things: Personally give your child's other parent a copy of your court papers or mail the papers (see the mailing rules below), Fill out and sign the Proof of Service that is on the second page of the Summons (form MC 01), AND. File the Proof of Service or return it to you to file.
Picking good witnesses, like family, coaches, doctors, social workers, psychologists, counselors, or the kids' school personnel, can help a lot. They can tell the court about the kids' circumstances and what's in their best interest.
Disrespectful Language : Avoid using any form of disrespect, such as insults, sarcasm, or derogatory remarks about the judge, the opposing party, or even the legal system. Negative Comments About the Other Parent : Speaking poorly about the other parent can reflect badly on you. Emotional Outbursts
These are some mistakes you're going to want to be mindful to avoid. TALKING BADLY ABOUT THE OTHER PARENT TO THE CHILD. FAILING TO TAKE ON CHALLENGING TASKS. NOT COMMUNICATING WITH THE OTHER PARENT. TRYING TO MAKE YOUR CHILDREN FEEL SORRY FOR YOU. PREVENTING THE OTHER PARENT'S ACCESS TO THE CHILDREN.