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
Benefits to Children from Federal Oversight of Michigan Foster Care System
https://familylawfirmmichigan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Pages-from-February-2025-LACHES.pdfBenefits to Children from Federal Oversight of Michigan Foster Care System
Under what circumstances can a judge be removed from a case?
A judge can be removed from a case under several circumstances. They may be disqualified if they cannot impartially hear a case, which includes situations where the judge is personally biased or prejudiced for or against a party or attorney, has personal knowledge of...
Under what circumstances can a court modify a parenting time order?
A parenting time order can be changed only if the parent first establishes proper cause or a change in circumstances. This threshold requirement must be met before the court can consider whether the proposed modification is in the best interests of the child. If the...
What does it mean when a court appoints a Guardian ad Litem in a Child Custody case?
The appointment of a guardian ad litem (GAL) in a child custody case in Michigan is appropriate when the court determines that the child's best interests are inadequately represented. According to the Child Custody Act, the court may appoint a GAL to represent the...
What is the difference between marital property and separate property under Michigan Law?
The distinction between marital property and separate property is crucial in divorce proceedings. Marital property generally includes all assets acquired or earned by either spouse during the marriage. This encompasses income, real estate, and other assets obtained...
What is parental alienation?
Parental alienation is a process by which one parent psychologically manipulates a child to the extent that the child becomes estranged from the other parent. There is feverish debate in the psychological community as to how to define it or what the criteria are. For...
Are parties allowed to file a lawsuit or a motion with no basis in fact or law?
No. By law, a party cannot file a motion in court: which is not "well grounded in fact [or] warranted by existing law" (MCR 1.109(E)(5)(b)); which has "any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay" (MCR 1.109(E)(5)(c)); if the "primary purpose...
How do I know if I will have to pay alimony?
Under Michigan law, there is no formula for this, as there is for child support. Whether alimony is appropriate and, if so, how much and for how long is determined by a variety of factors in the case. Key among them are: (1) the past relations and conduct of the...
Shaken baby Syndrome
For years, in cases involving the death or serious injuries of small children, parents have lost their rights based on a hypothesis known as the Shaken Baby Syndrome. In detailing this hypothesis, so-called medical experts have successfully mesmerized judges and...
Are all parents entitled to parenting time?
Yes, almost all parents. The Michigan Child Custody Act provides that, “A child has a right to parenting time with a parent unless it is shown on the record by clear and convincing evidence that it would endanger the child's physical, mental, or emotional health.” MCL...
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