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MI SB0569
Bill
AI Summary
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Courts must declare a child's inherent rights and establish custody, support, and parenting time rights in child custody disputes in accordance with the Child Custody Act of 1970.
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Custody disputes may be arbitrated under Chapter 50b of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961 (MCL 600.5070 to 600.5082), with courts resolving them according to that chapter's provisions.
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Courts may appoint a lawyer-guardian ad litem if the child's best interests are inadequately represented, with the appointed lawyer having powers and duties as set forth in MCL 712A.17d.
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A lawyer-guardian ad litem may file a written report and recommendation that the court may read but cannot admit into evidence unless all parties agree; the report may be used for settlement conferences.
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Courts may assess all or part of the lawyer-guardian ad litem's costs and reasonable fees against one or more parties or against marriage license fee allocations for family counseling services, provided the court approves the fee amount.
Legislative Description
Family law; child custody; child custody disputes that have been arbitrated; require courts to resolve in accordance with domestic relations arbitration provisions of the RJA. Amends sec. 4 of 1970 PA 91 (MCL 722.24).
Courts, family division
Last Action
Referred To Committee On Families And Children's Services
1/21/2010