What is Standard Parenting Time in Michigan?

What is Standard Parenting Time in Michigan?

In a divorce with minor children, you and the other parent will have to deal with the issue of child custody. In these situations, there is typically a custodial parent and a noncustodial parent. The custodial parent has the child in their care most of the time. The noncustodial parent, on the other hand, typically has visitation. The schedule may be agreed upon by the parents. This is the preferred route. If the parents cannot come to an agreement, though, the parenting time will be determined by court order.  

Ideally, parenting time should be on a regular schedule with consistent start and end times. Also, parenting time should be scheduled based on the changing needs of the children as well any changes to school and work schedules. 

When parents cannot come to an agreement, the court will use a standard parenting schedule. It uses 20% as a starting point. A typical visitation schedule may include overnights every other weekend, one evening of overnight visits per week, extended visitation during the summer, and some holidays and birthdays.

Life happens. While consistency is important, flexibility may also be required at times. Emergencies and work-related issues will come up. You may need to change the schedule at the last minute, and so may the other parent. Try to be understanding in these circumstances. 

Most Commonly Used Schedule

Standard parenting time involves a common schedule. It goes like this, although you can adapt it as you see fit:

• Alternating weekend. Parenting time shall occur on alternating weekends from 6 p.m. Friday evening until 6 p.m. Sunday evening. 
• Weekday. Parenting time shall occur one evening per week from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The parents should agree on a day, but if they cannot do so, parenting time shall occur on Wednesday evening.
• Spring break. The father shall have the children during spring break in years ending in an even number, while the mother gets parenting time in odd number years. 
• Winter break. In years ending in an odd number, the father shall have parenting time for the first week of winter break, while the mother has parenting time for the second week. In even years, the schedules are reversed.
• Summer break. The noncustodial parent has parenting time for four weeks starting the Friday after the Fourth of July. 
• Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. The children should be with the mother for the entire Mother’s Day weekend and with the father for the entire Father’s Day weekend.
• All other holidays. The mother may get certain holidays, with the father getting others, depending on whether it is an odd or even year. 

Contact Us Today

Deciding on parenting time can be a frustrating situation. Standards and court orders can help you come up with a fair schedule. 

Need help working with the other parent? Seek legal help from the experienced Michigan child custody lawyers from Lucido & Manzella, P.C. We will help grant you favorable custody schedules. Call (586) 228-3900 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.