LANSING (AP) -- The Michigan Supreme Court says a loss of parental rights doesn't automatically mean an end to child support.
In a rare unanimous opinion, the court says a father or mother can be ordered to support a child financially even if he or she has no other role. The justices ruled in a case from Oakland County in which Lawrence Beck's parental rights were terminated in 2009.
A judge still required Beck to support two children under the terms of a divorce from his wife.
The Supreme Court said Monday that Michigan law requires financial support unless a judge modifies or terminates the obligation.
Justice Alton Davis did not participate in the 6-0 decision because he reviewed the case when he was a member of the state appeals court.
Published: Thu, Dec 23, 2010
