Cheltenham Law

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Cheltenham Law
517-652-0007

Proven…Not Promised

Third-Party Custody Attorney In East Lansing

When a child’s safety or emotional well-being is at risk, relatives often need to step in. However, getting custody as a nonparent in Michigan requires meeting strict legal rules.

At Cheltenham Law, PLLC, we guide caring relatives in East Lansing and Mid-Michigan toward legal custody or guardianship. We can help you gain the legal authority you need, protect vulnerable children and build a safe home.

When Can A Nonparent Step In To Take Custody?

Relatives usually seek custody when biological parents cannot safely raise their children. Some of the situations that require legal help include:

  • Parental unfitness: Biological parents face severe struggles like addiction, neglect, domestic violence or jail time.
  • Child abandonment: A parent leaves a child with a relative for a long time without financial support or calls.
  • Parental absence or death: A parent passes away or becomes physically unable to provide daily care.

Stepping in during these crisis moments helps keep the child safe from further hardship.

What It Takes To File For Custody Under Michigan Law

Under Michigan law (MCL 722.26b), nonparents do not have an automatic right to request custody. You must first prove legal “standing,” which gives you the right to open a court case.

To prove standing, you must meet specific state requirements:

  • Court appointment: A court must already name you as the child’s legal guardian.
  • Prior placement: The child must already live in your home under official agreements or state placement rules.
  • Risk of harm: For grandparent visits, you must prove that cutting off contact directly hurts the child’s well-being.

Proving legal standing is the necessary first step before a judge will review your request.

Guardianship Vs. Custody: Choosing The Right Option For Your Family

Different legal options give you different levels of control over a child’s care. We help you choose the most fitting path for your situation:

  • Temporary emergency placement: Gives you immediate, short-term authority to provide shelter during a sudden crisis
  • Legal guardianship: Granted through probate court to give you temporary control over daily care, schooling and doctor visits
  • Full third-party custody: Granted through circuit court to give you long-term, permanent legal placement and decision-making power

Picking the right option helps ensure you have the legal power to handle daily parenting duties.

How Michigan Judges Determine What Is Best For Your Child

Michigan judges always focus on the child’s best interests when deciding custody requests. Courts review emotional bonds, home stability, school consistency and physical safety before making a final decision.

Our lead attorney, Colline Cheltenham, cuts through legal jargon to give you direct answers from day one. She builds clear, evidence-backed cases that prove to the judge why your home provides the safety your child needs.

Give Your Loved One The Safe, Stable Home They Deserve

Do not leave a vulnerable child’s future to chance or wait to take action. If you are currently raising a relative’s child or need to step in to protect a loved one, contact Cheltenham Law, PLLC, today. Call our office at 517-652-0007 or send an online message to schedule a free consultation with our trusted custody lawyer.