About
When facing a serious family situation, you need a professional attorney who specializes in achieving the best results. From divorce and child custody battles to personal protection orders or guardianship, Charles P. Farrar PLLC in Waterford, MI, provides the compassionate one-on-one personal attention you deserve.
Sensitive to Your Needs, Dedicated to Your Rights
I don’t just file your case; I learn your story. Understanding your situation builds a trusting relationship and allows me to represent you to the best of my ability. I respect my clients and want the best for them, no matter how difficult the situation is.
With a passion for protection and over two decades of legal experience, let me be your guide in achieving the best results for you and your family. Whether it’s dealing with a divorce, child custody, property division or spousal support, you’ll always receive personal, hands-on attention.
Presented on The “Role of the Attorney in Child Protective Proceedings.” to the Oakland County Court Appointed Special Advocates
Receive Award-Winning Representation
Chair of the Oakland County Bar Association Juvenile Law Committee
Member of the Oakland County Bar Association Family Court Committee
Recipient of an Avvo Clients’ Choice Award
Meet the Team
Charles P. Farrar
Charles P. (“Chip”) Farrar was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1989, after having graduated from the University of Notre Dame and the University of Michigan Law School. His practice focuses on family law, including divorce, child custody, parents’ rights, and probate and estate planning. He is certified as a Child Welfare Law Specialist with the National Association of Counsel for Children and has completed the State Bar of Michigan Family Law Certificate Program. Chip has served multiple terms as Chair of the Oakland County Bar Association (OCBA) Juvenile Law Committee and has published numerous articles in the OCBA Journal, Laches, on Child Custody, Child Welfare, and Juvenile Law.
Joe Hanna
My name is Joseph Hanna. I am the firm Paralegal, Notary, and Marketing Social Media Manager. I also help the office if there are any IT issues. I received my Associate’s degree in Paralegal studies from Oakland Community College’s ABA approved Paralegal program. From there, I continued my education and graduated from Oakland University with my Bachelor’s in Integrative Studies with a concentration in Pre Law. I graduated Summa Cum Laude in both programs with a full ride scholarship. I have been working in the legal field since 2018 and I am an active member of the Oakland County Bar Association. I have worked with Charles Farrar to deliver the utmost quality legal service for clients since 2021.
Gail Cain
My name is Gail Cain, a Legal Professional at the Law Office of Charles P. Farrar, PLLC since 2016. I graduated from Wayne State University with an Undergraduate Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Alternative Dispute Resolution. I have worked in the legal field in various capacities for 20+ years. As a Legal Professional here my responsibilities include but are not limited to court filings, document preparation, review and distribution to clients. I also handle payroll, office supplies and file organization via our clio system. My passion is to help others, especially those who are in need of our services, to easily walk through the process. By providing up to date case status and correspondences daily.
Read The Blog
What is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)?
Normally, when a 401(k) or a pension account is divided, early withdrawal penalties are imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. This would make it cost-prohibitive to divide such an account in the event of a divorce. Fortunately, there are provisions in the tax code...
What is the difference between separate and marital property in a divorce case?
The distinction between separate and marital property is often a point of contention in divorce cases. Separate property generally includes assets acquired by the husband or wife before the date of the marriage. It also includes property obtained during the marriage...
Who Are Mandatory Reporters and What Are They Required to Do?
Mandatory reporting laws exist to protect vulnerable individuals—especially children—from abuse and neglect. These laws require certain professionals, known as mandatory reporters, to report any reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities....
Is my ex allowed to withhold parenting time from me?
Absolutely not. Parties to a custody order must strictly comply with all its terms. They may not deviate without mutual agreement. Certainly, there are occasions when a parent has legitimate concerns about the child’s safety with the other parent. In that case, the...
What is “parenting time” and how is it established?
Parenting time is essentially the time a child spends with each parent. The point of court-ordered-parenting-time is always to foster a strong parent-child relationship. Generally speaking, it is in the best interests of the child to have a strong relationship with...
If my ex’s holiday parenting time takes precedence over what would have been my regular time, can that be made up?
No, unless for some reason you agree to that. This issue is addressed in some of our local courts' parenting-time guidelines. According to the St. Clair Friend of the Court Parenting Time Guidelines: Holiday and summer parenting time takes precedence over regularly...
What is a Lady Bird Deed?
The name "Lady Bird Deed" is derived from its alleged use by President Lyndon B. Johnson to transfer property to his wife, Claudia Alta "Lady Bird" Taylor Johnson. It has become a popular estate planning tool due to its benefits, including probate avoidance and the...
What are the circumstances under which a party can request a modification of child support?
A party can request a modification of child support in under several circumstances, primarily when there is a substantial change in circumstances or when the modification is necessary to ensure the welfare of the child. The law provides that child support orders may...
Can a child support order be modified?
A child support order may be modified upon a showing of a substantial change in circumstances or for proper cause. The burden of proof lies with the party seeking the modification to demonstrate the change in circumstances justifying the modification. Relevant factors...
Is the distinction between premarital and post marital property important in a divorce judgment?
The distinction between premarital and post marital property is often significant in determining property rights during and after a marriage. Premarital property generally refers to assets acquired by a spouse before the marriage, while post...
I’m here for you.
Contact my firm by calling 248-860-6025 or come in for an initial consultation.
Contact Information
Address: 995 W Huron St, Waterford Twp, MI 48328
Phone: 248-860-6025
Email: chip@familylawfirmmichigan.com