Foster Care Legal Support in Ann Arbor & Tecumseh
Compassionate Guidance for Families and Children in the Michigan Foster Care System
Foster parents and relatives in Michigan face complex rules. Every decision feels urgent, and you deserve clear guidance. Stimpson & Associates offers foster care legal support in Ann Arbor and Tecumseh at every step. Our family law team brings decades of courtroom experience, deep knowledge of child welfare statutes, and a proven record in Washtenaw and Lenawee family courts.
Schedule Your $50 Initial Consultation Today.Â
Understanding Foster Care Laws in Michigan
Michigan law places the welfare of children first. The Foster Care and Adoption Services Act, the Juvenile Code, and Rule 400 licensing standards anchor the system, setting precise duties for caregivers. These laws cover licensing, required training, placement changes, and timelines for review hearings. We explain each rule clearly, from required training hours to home inspections, and prepare the paperwork that secures or renews your license, helping you avoid delays and ensuring each child’s safety.
Need a statute translated into plain English? Call us today.
Navigating the Foster Care System
Every foster case follows strict deadlines from initial placement to permanency. Our attorneys attend case service plan meetings, negotiate visitation schedules, and prepare you for review and permanency hearings. We coordinate with county DHHS workers, private agencies, and school liaisons. Our goal is to keep children in stable homes while safeguarding your rights, ensuring you stay informed every step of the way.
Stay a step ahead—schedule your consultation now.
Impact of State Legislation on Foster Care in Ann Arbor
Recent statutes strengthened school stability, sibling placement, and foster parent notice rights. Public Act 23 of 2024 mandates school enrollment within five school days and guarantees extracurricular access. Public Act 73 of 2024 lets foster parents appeal non‑emergency placement moves. Understanding these updates lets families claim every benefit.
Unsure how new laws affect you? Let’s talk.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities of Foster Parents
Licensed foster parents have the right to full case information, timely payments, and notice of every hearing. They must also follow the parent‑agency agreement, facilitate sibling contact, and keep accurate records. We prepare written statements for court, guide grievance filings, and, when needed, intervene to prevent abrupt removals.
Protect your placement—book your $50 session now.
Common Legal Challenges in Foster Care
The Role of Family Courts in Foster Care Cases
Family courts in Washtenaw and Lenawee Counties decide placement, visitation, and eventual permanency. Our attorneys regularly appear in these courts, understand each courtroom’s specific procedures, and present persuasive arguments to move cases forward efficiently, avoiding costly delays.
Cross‑Jurisdictional Issues in Foster Care Cases
Different jurisdictions complicate foster care cases, especially interstate and international placements, which require compact approvals. Our expertise ensures you navigate these complexities smoothly and successfully.
Adoption Processes and Legal Considerations
We draft adoption petitions, seek waiver of the six‑month supervision period when applicable, and secure adoption subsidies that match foster care rates.
Custody and Guardianship Issues
When guardianship suits your family’s needs better than adoption, we file motions quickly and secure subsidized guardianships without unnecessary delays.
Psychological and Emotional Support
Legal proceedings can be emotionally taxing. We refer families to trauma counselors, support groups, and respite programs, integrating emotional care into our legal advocacy.
Resolve challenges decisively—schedule your consultation with our Attorneys today.Â
Legal Aid for Foster Youth in Ann Arbor
Youth aging out of foster care deserve stability. Our attorneys help teens secure extended‑care benefits, Education and Training Vouchers, state identification, and seal juvenile records.
Rights of Foster Youth
Youth have the right to education, safe housing, and a voice in permanency hearings. We ensure these rights are enforced and that courts hear their perspectives.
Legal Representation for Foster Youth
We coordinate with Lawyer‑Guardians ad Litem, CASA volunteers, and youth advocates to represent each child’s wishes and needs clearly and effectively.
Empower foster youth—schedule a consultation.
Ensure Legal Protection in Foster Care
Every child and caregiver deserves safety, stability, and respect. Stimpson & Associates combines precise legal guidance with compassionate support services, including flexible payment plans and connections to therapists and social workers.
Ready for answers? Schedule your consultation and give your family the confident path forward.
Hear From Our Satisfied Clients
My wife and I worked with Jessica Kelly to rewrite and update our estate documents. Jessica was thoughtful, caring, articulate and professional and showed a thorough understanding of issues we faced. She worked carefully and patiently with us to produce a document that we feel will serve us well. Without reservation, we would recommend her services to others.
Our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy and Stimpson Law helped us every step of the way. They were understanding, caring, and showed compassion while handling our legal matters. We are so appreciative of the entire office and highly recommend them.
Mr. Stimpson and his colleagues were so kind and very polite and helpful, when I was going through my divorce. They took the time and patience to explain everything in detail to my understanding. I would refer Stimpson & Associates to anyone who needs lawyer services.
I wish I could give Stimpson and his team more than five stars! Stimpson was my attorney for a drawn-out and emotional case. He kept me level-headed, focused, and most importantly, prepared. I genuinely appreciate his advice, his honesty, and his straightforward attitude. My fight was his fight and that was evident in the courtroom. Stimpson was worth every single penny! A BIG thank you to him and his team!
Meet Our Legal Team
David M. Stimpson
Managing Partner
David Lacasse
Attorney
