Anyone familiar with the laws in Michigan?

Spooners

I hate to say it, but it looks as though my worst nightmare is coming true. My FI has decided he wants to end the relationship after 10 years. He claims it is because he doesn't love me like he should and that he has stayed with me to "make me happy". I have a REALLY hard time believing this because he has been hanging out with a female co-worker for the past few months. and when I mean hanging out, I mean going out till 1 am, going to the movies, golfing, talking to her 2-3 times a day on the phone, just to name a few. 

I have been a SAHM for the past year and a half. I have no income and no where to go. He hasn't left because he also has no where to go, so we currently still live in the same house.

I don't know if he has the ability to kick me out of the house (everything is in his name, besides a few bills), whether or not he has more control over what happens with the kids because he is the only one employed. I don't know what would happen with child support, custody, etc. So if anyone is familiar with the laws regarding this in MI, or can direct me towards a website that may give me some more info, that would be great.  

Thanks.  

 

PrettyInPearls23

Trust your gut, there's soemthing going on with your exFI and his co-worker. That's how it started with my STBXH and his co-worker.

I'm from MI, but I'm not too familiar with the laws that you'd be in need of re: the living situation. What county are you in?

I can tell you that even though you're currently unemployed, you've also been the LO's primary care giver since birth...and that's important. Do you have any friends you could stay with? Would you be willing to move to where you'd be closer to family? You need to show that you're making an effort to provide a good life for your LO by trying to get employment, go to school, etc.

DaringMiss

TIme to call a lawyer.  Find out what your rights are in this situation.  Bring all tax records, bank account information and credit card statements with you.  Find out if you have a right to stay in the house - at least for a period of time.  Don't leave the house if you can avoid it, I don't care how unpleasant the fights get.  You need to maintain residence there until you can meet with a lawyer to find out your rights.

If you put any money into the house (down payment, mortgage payments) and can prove it (joint bank accounts, pay stubs from your previous employment that went into a joint account), you may be entitled to your money back.

If your FI is on the birth certificates of the children, child support will be easier to arrange.   I am assuming that the children are on his health insurance, so he will likely have to maintain that.   

Don't listen to the advice of friends or take your Fi's word on anything.  Get legal advice from a couple of lawyers to make sure that you know exactly what you are entitled to. 

achase123

I echo getting legal advice ASAP.

Also, sounds like he's doing his co-worker.  Sorry. 

Spooners

PrettyInPearls23:

Trust your gut, there's soemthing going on with your exFI and his co-worker. That's how it started with my STBXH and his co-worker.

I'm from MI, but I'm not too familiar with the laws that you'd be in need of re: the living situation. What county are you in?

I can tell you that even though you're currently unemployed, you've also been the LO's primary care giver since birth...and that's important. Do you have any friends you could stay with? Would you be willing to move to where you'd be closer to family? You need to show that you're making an effort to provide a good life for your LO by trying to get employment, go to school, etc.

I'm in Kent county. My family all lives nearby, but it wouldn't be a good idea to move my kids there. I will start to look for work soon. I have a degree, but finding work in that area is difficult.

 

achase, I wouldn't be surprised if he is doing her....

PrettyInPearls23

Spooners:

PrettyInPearls23:

Trust your gut, there's soemthing going on with your exFI and his co-worker. That's how it started with my STBXH and his co-worker.

I'm from MI, but I'm not too familiar with the laws that you'd be in need of re: the living situation. What county are you in?

I can tell you that even though you're currently unemployed, you've also been the LO's primary care giver since birth...and that's important. Do you have any friends you could stay with? Would you be willing to move to where you'd be closer to family? You need to show that you're making an effort to provide a good life for your LO by trying to get employment, go to school, etc.

I'm in Kent county. My family all lives nearby, but it wouldn't be a good idea to move my kids there. I will start to look for work soon. I have a degree, but finding work in that area is difficult.

 

achase, I wouldn't be surprised if he is doing her....

Ok, I'm in Eaton county. Try googling the Kent county circuit court -- I know that the Eaton county website has amazing resources on the Friend of the Court section. Everything from the names of lawyers to FAQ to "What do I do next?"

 

msualum96

Sorry that you're going through this...I'm in Kent Co too, and although I haven't had to do anything "official" yet, I've researched it.  I found a lot of good information on the State of MI website & Friend of  the Court; it takes a little time & effort to find but its out there & worth it.  If you're not married, then I believe that you, as the birth mother, have full custody.  This is not to say that he has no rights to the kids, but he will not have "more control" over what happens...however I'm not sure about the living situation part....I think that's where your particular scenario gets sticky.  If you can't provide a safe, stable home environment, then he may have a case.  As PP said, consult a lawyer ASAP!  Many will do a free counsultation.  Good luck to you!!!