2/28/13 - A Hartland Township man is inching closer to a win in the custody fight for his daughter. Daniel Quinn has been prevented him from seeing his daughter Maeleigh for the past four years but a new law inspired by his story was signed into law last June, which enables biological fathers to petition the court for parental rights. Quinn has been fighting for custody of her since the battle began in Genessee County and a judge this week acknowledged Quinn is the girlâs biological father and granted him immediate phone and computer contact with her. Consideration of custody and child support are the next steps in the battle for Quinn and future court dates are pending. New legislation signed into law last June gives biological fathers more rights and also got rid of the Michigan Paternity Act, which presumed a husband is the father of his wifeâs children. The mother of Quinnâs child was married to another man when she became pregnant. She eventually reconciled with her husband, left Quinn and took their daughter, who ultimately ended up in the custody of a now-convicted drug dealer. Despite that, Quinn didnât have the right to tell a judge why he would be a better caretaker for his own daughter. (JM)
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