Pro Bono Spotlight: Bodman Attorneys Help Father Secure Equal Parenting Time

Sarah Gabis and Mackenzie Bailey represented Mr. G in a highly contested child custody matter involving his infant child.

When the child’s mother unexpectedly left the parties’ shared residence with their infant child to move to another county, Mr. G sought joint legal and physical custody.  Although he had been actively involved in caring for the child from birth, maintained full-time employment, and had no criminal history, there was no court order governing custody or parenting time. As a result, the child’s mother imposed significant restrictions on his access, limiting visitation to random times or dates of her choosing and refusing to permit overnight parenting time.

Seeking to establish a consistent, equitable parenting arrangement, Sarah filed a motion demanding joint legal and physical custody with equal parenting time. Following a three-hour evidentiary hearing, the judge granted temporary joint legal custody to Mr. G and provided Mr. G with specified parenting time.

Over the following year, Sarah and Mackenzie continued to advocate for Mr. G as the litigation remained heavily contested Their efforts culminated in the court awarding the parties joint legal and physical custody with equal parenting time.

As a result, Mr. G now enjoys equal time with his young child, including overnights and holidays, ensuring he can continue to play an active and meaningful role in the child’s upbringing.