Judge orders mediation after father seeks termination of guardianship for Hailey; return hearing set for April 23

A judge in Lenawee County Probate & Juvenile Court on March 20 directed the parties to mediation and set a return hearing for April 23 at 11:30 a.m. after biological father Steven Dodson asked the court to terminate the guardianship over his daughter, Hailey.

The court investigator, identified in the hearing as Miss Layman, told the judge she recommended the guardianship remain in place. Layman said Hailey feels safe, “she's comfortable, she's happy,” and that Hailey had told her she was fearful of her father’s anger. Layman also told the court she did not believe that Dodson’s previously described mental-health issues were resolved.

The petitioning father, Steven Dodson, told the judge he wanted the guardianship ended so Hailey could visit him “when she wants.” Dodson said he is on disability for physical health problems and disputed any assertion that his disability was for a mental-health condition. He told the court he would like weekends for visits and said he would let Hailey choose specific timing if appropriate. “I would let her choose that, but I would like weekends, if that's feasible,” Dodson said.

Judge: The judge noted an existing visitation plan created about three years ago and that the plan allowed supervised parenting time with a suitable adult, such as the paternal grandparents. The judge suggested mediation as a venue to negotiate a workable supervised-visitation schedule and said that if the parties agreed to a schedule they could avoid returning to court. The judge ordered the parties to attempt mediation and scheduled a follow-up hearing for April 23 at 11:30 a.m.

Guardian and attorney: Karena Dumont, attorney for guardian Bobby Alanes, said her client opposed terminating the guardianship and that the guardian would be willing to explore supervised visitation that Hailey would find comfortable. Dumont told the court she believed supervised visitation or mediation would be in Hailey’s best interest.

Home conditions and background: During questioning, Dodson acknowledged living in a trailer and answered questions about the condition of that home. He said some past water-damage issues had been fixed, that one window needed repair, and that any floor damage was from a dog and not an open hole. He said he has transportation and a valid driver’s license. Layman had noted concerns in her report about the home’s condition and about Hailey’s comfort with visits to the father’s residence.

Financial and support details: Dodson told the court Hailey receives Social Security disability payments and said he gave the guardian nearly all of his back pay except $5,000. He also said he had paid $200 per month for the past two years. The hearing record includes Dodson’s statements on these payments; the court did not make findings about the financial issues at the hearing.

Next steps: The court ordered the parties to schedule mediation with the court mediator and return for the April 23 hearing if they cannot reach an agreement. The judge said an order would be issued directing the parties to schedule with the mediator.

Ending: The hearing concluded after the judge set the April 23 date and advised the parties that if they reached a mediated agreement beforehand they would not have to appear on that date.