Parenting Time Lawyer
We understand that creating a parenting time schedule is a deeply personal matter that requires compassion, commitment, and knowledge to ensure the well-being and best interests of your child.
Compassionate Parenting Time Guidance
A parenting time schedule isn’t just a legal matter – it’s a deeply personal issue that affects your child’s well-being and your entire family. That’s why we approach each matter with compassion, respect, and a commitment to excellence. Our attorneys take the time to truly understand your concerns and family goals so we can advocate effectively for what matters most: your child’s best interests.
At Wilson Kester, we help you navigate Michigan parenting time laws with clarity and confidence. Whether you need to establish a parenting plan or file a motion to modify parenting time, our team will stand by your side. With compassionate guidance and proven legal expertise, we’ll work with you to build a plan that protects your rights as a parent and your child’s future.
Michigan Parenting Time Guidelines
There are both local and state guidelines for developing a parenting time schedule under Michigan laws. A child has a right to parenting time with both parents unless it endangers the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health. Establishing a clearly-defined schedule provides you and your child with predictability and consistency. A well-crafted parenting time schedule also sets up a healthy co-parent relationship by establishing clear expectations and boundaries.
When you work with the experienced attorneys at Wilson Kester, you’ll have an advocate on your side that will help create a schedule that protects your child’s well-being, reduces conflict, and brings greater stability to your family.
Parenting Time Schedule Considerations
Parenting time in Michigan involves a variety of factors, including frequency, duration, and type. Ideally, you and your co-parent can work together to keep the children’s best interests at the forefront. However, disagreements may arise because this can be a challenging topic, especially if you both want more time with your children than you think your co-parent should have. The stage of development that your child is currently at can play an important role in determining what sort of parenting time schedule is appropriate.
When parents are unable to come to an agreement on what the schedule should look like, there are alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes, including mediation and collaborative practices, that can help guide parents to a resolution. These methods often allow parents to maintain more control over the outcome while reducing conflict.
Unfortunately, in some situations, parenting time may be limited or restricted altogether. If one parent is abusive, struggling with addiction, neglectful, or otherwise unfit, the other parent may be awarded sole physical or sole legal custody or a greater portion of the parenting time. If you find yourself in this situation, contact our office. Your child’s safety and well-being are a priority, and we are well-equipped to help you advocate for your child’s best interest.
Can My Kid Choose Their Parenting Time Schedule?
It is common for parents to believe that their children are old enough to decide for themselves where they want to spend their time. In the State of Michigan, a child cannot choose where they spend their time until the age of 18. Parents may take their child’s preferences into consideration when discussing the parenting time schedule; however, if they are unable to agree, the court will decide through an evidentiary hearing based on the best interest factors. The court may hear the child’s preference and may take it into consideration when deciding the optimal parenting time schedule.However, a child’s preference is but one of many factors upon which such a decision is reached.
We know that each family is unique, and there is no ‘one-size-fits-all schedule that works best for all families. We will work with you to develop a parenting time schedule that best fits your child’s needs. Our team of experienced attorneys’ advocacy skills allow us to negotiate such a schedule in a manner that helps minimize the stress on both you and your child. In doing so, our goal is to help you achieve some peace, boundaries, and consistency through establishing a schedule that works best for your family.
Our firm played a role in the development of Michigan’s parenting time guidelines’ most recent edition, which provides alternative parenting time schedules based on the developmental age of the child.
FAQs: Understanding Parenting Time in Michigan
It is common for parents to believe that their children are old enough to decide for themselves where they want to spend their time. In the State of Michigan, a child cannot choose where they spend their time until the age of 18. Parents may take their child’s preferences into consideration when discussing the parenting time schedule; however, if they are unable to agree, the court will decide through an evidentiary hearing based on the best interest factors. The court may hear the child’s preference and may take it into consideration when deciding the optimal parenting time schedule.However, a child’s preference is but one of many factors upon which such a decision is reached.
Under Michigan parenting time laws, a parenting time order can be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances or if the change is in the best interests of the child. To request a modification, a parent typically files a motion to modify parenting time with the court that issued the original order. The court will then review the request and may schedule a hearing to evaluate whether the proposed change supports the child’s well-being. Some factors the court may consider include the child’s age, development needs, the parents’ ability to cooperate, work schedules, living arrangements, or health conditions.
Because the legal standards for modifying parenting time in Michigan can be complex, it’s important to have an experienced family law attorney support you through the process.
To file for parenting time in Michigan, you and a trusted attorney will submit a written request or motion with the family court in the county where your custody case is handled. If you're just beginning the transition process, parenting time is typically addressed as part of a custody or divorce case. If a parenting time order already exists, you may need to file a motion to enforce or modify parenting time. Once filed, the court will review your request and may schedule a hearing to decide on a parenting time schedule that serves your child’s best interests.
Wilson Kester is Here to Help Navigate the Complexities of Child Custody Arrangements
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Contact UsOur experienced Client Experience Coordinators are ready to help you.
Contact UsBecome part of the over 5,000 satisfied clients who have trusted us with their divorce and family law matters.
Contact UsMichigan Parenting Time Attorneys Who Put Families First
We understand that each family is unique and there is no ‘one-size-fits-all parenting time schedule. At Wilson Kester, we’ll work with you to develop a plan that best fits your child’s individual needs while preserving stability in their life. Our team of experienced attorneys’ use their advocacy skills to negotiate schedules that minimize the stress on both you and your child. In doing so, our goal is to help you achieve some peace, boundaries, and consistency through establishing a schedule that works best for your family.
Contact Wilson Kester today to discuss your parenting time needs and take the first step toward a plan that truly supports your family.