In many divorce cases in Michigan, one parent may accuse the other of neglecting their children. Like child abuse, child neglect can cause significant harm to the child. However, unlike abuse, neglect is more about what a parent has failed to do rather than what they have done. Michigan law defines child neglect as harm or potential harm to a child’s health or welfare through negligent treatment or failing to respond to imminent risks.
Some allegations of child neglect have a legitimate basis. Others stem from one parent’s ulterior motives. Either way, families that are dealing with allegations of child neglect in Michigan should work with an experienced family law attorney to increase the chances of an outcome that protects their children’s best interests.
Here are some of the most common forms of child neglect in Michigan.
Physical Neglect
Physical neglect refers to failing to provide a child with basic necessities like food, water, shelter, and appropriate supervision. This could include not having adequate food in the home, leaving a young child unattended for long periods, or failing to dress a child appropriately for the weather conditions. Physical neglect can have severe consequences for a child’s growth, health, and safety.
Emotional Neglect
Emotional neglect means failing to provide a child with the emotional support, nurturing, and love that they need to thrive. This can include ignoring a child’s need for affection, exposing a child to domestic violence, or allowing a child to use drugs or alcohol. Emotional neglect can profoundly affect a child’s self-esteem, behavior, and ability to form healthy relationships.
Medical Neglect
Medical neglect occurs when a parent fails to address a child’s medical needs adequately. This could mean not taking a sick child to the doctor, failing to follow prescribed treatment plans or neglecting a child’s need for medical devices like glasses or hearing aids. Leaving medical issues untreated can cause unnecessary suffering and have lifelong impacts.
Educational Neglect
Educational neglect refers to depriving a child of education, either by failing to enroll them or by chronically allowing them to miss school without a valid excuse. This neglect can leave children unprepared for life and unable to reach their full potential. It also increases the risk of other issues like substance abuse and criminal behavior.
Contact The Law Office of Jodi L. Hemingway, PLLC
Going through a divorce is challenging, no matter what. However, questions of child neglect can make the process feel particularly dire and urgent. The compassionate and skilled team at The Law Office of Jodi L. Hemingway, PLLC, is here to help you understand your legal rights and craft a strategy that can protect you and your family. We have served clients in Michigan for 15 years, and we are ready to put our experience and knowledge to work for you.
Call us today at (810) 237-1200 or contact us online for a confidential consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
