How Do Courts Determine Parenting Time in Michigan?

How Do Courts Determine Parenting Time in Michigan?

Not every couple in Michigan can agree on how to divide time with their children after a separation. When this happens, the court steps in to make the decision. For a parent already dealing with conflict and stress, the thought of a stranger getting the final say on how much time you will get to spend with your child can be terrifying. How will the court even make this decision?

At Lucido & Manzella, P.C., we have served parents like you for over 25 years. While this process feels uncertain, Michigan courts follow clear legal principles designed to protect children when determining parenting time.

Here’s what you need to know about how Michigan courts make parenting time decisions:

• The main standard courts use is the best interests of the child, which guides every decision.
• Some best interest factors carry more weight than others, depending on your child’s needs and circumstances.
• Courts will try to maximize both parents’ involvement whenever it’s safe and appropriate.

Understanding how courts think can reduce fear and help you feel more prepared for what comes next.

What Is the “Best Interests of the Child” Standard?

In Michigan, judges don’t decide parenting time based on which parent “deserves” more time or who was “right” or “wrong” in the divorce. Instead, they follow the best interests of the child standard, which involves examining a series of factors that focus squarely on a child’s needs, safety, and well-being.

This standard exists because courts recognize that parenting time decisions can have a lasting impact on a child’s emotional, social, and educational development. By using a child-centered framework, the court can create arrangements that support stability, healthy relationships with both parents, and overall growth.

What Best Interests Factors Matter the Most to the Court?

When judges decide parenting time in Michigan, they consider a variety of factors, but some carry more weight depending on your child’s age, needs, and family situation.

Here are some factors the courts often prioritize:

A Child’s Age and Development

A child’s developmental stage is one of the most important factors in determining parenting time. Courts recognize that children at different ages have very different needs, and schedules are designed to support healthy emotional and social growth.

• Young children need frequent, shorter visits with each parent to maintain strong emotional bonds. Long separations can cause anxiety and make transitions between homes more difficult.
• School-aged children benefit from predictability and routine. Courts look at whether parents can maintain consistent school attendance, homework routines, and participation in extracurricular activities.
• Teenagers have more independence, and their preferences and schedules may be considered. Courts often weigh school commitments, social life, and extracurricular activities to design parenting time that fits naturally into their routines.

Past Parental Conduct

Another critical factor is a parent’s past behavior. The court will consider any evidence of a parent’s history of abuse, neglect, criminal history, or substance abuse when determining parenting time. If one parent has a history of violence or addiction, the court may limit their parenting time to protect the safety and well-being of the child.

On the other hand, if a parent has been actively involved in their child’s life and shown consistent care and support, it can work in their favor during parenting time proceedings. Proving a positive track record as a responsible parent can demonstrate to the court that they have the child’s best interest at heart.

Stability and Routines

Courts also weigh which parent can provide a stable, predictable environment. Stability is crucial for a child’s sense of security and can reduce stress during a family transition.

Judges will look at:

• Whether the parent can maintain consistent school attendance, transportation, and daily schedules
• Ability to enforce bedtimes, homework, and daily care routines
• Support for extracurricular and social activities

A parent who can provide a calm, organized home life is often viewed more favorably because children thrive when they know what to expect each day.

Will the Court Try to Keep Both Parents Involved in Their Child’s Life?

Yes. Michigan courts have a strong preference for maintaining meaningful relationships with both parents whenever it is safe and appropriate. Parenting time decisions are not about replacing one parent with another. Instead, the goal is to create a workable structure that supports the child long-term, helping them benefit from the love and guidance of both parents.

How Can an Attorney Assist When the Court Decides Parenting Time?

When the court makes parenting time decisions, the process can be stressful. An experienced attorney can make a significant difference by:

• Explaining Michigan’s laws and court procedures.
• Helping you gather and present evidence to support your case.
• Negotiating on your behalf during mediation or settlement discussions.
• Reviewing proposed parenting plans to confirm they are fair and address the child’s needs.

Having guidance through this process can reduce anxiety and help you focus on your child’s well-being rather than procedural uncertainty.

Protect Your Time With Your Child

Having the court step in to decide how much time you spend with your child can be upsetting. It’s natural to feel anxious, frustrated, or even powerless when a stranger is making decisions about your family life. But you don’t have to face this alone.

If you’re worried about parenting time and want guidance you can trust, contact Lucido & Manzella today. We will work with you to keep your child’s best interests at the heart of every decision and support you through this challenging process.