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Parenting Time

Parenting Time

A parenting time agreement sets forth visitation times for the non-custodial parent. It discusses where and when the children will spend their time, which includes holidays, school breaks, birthdays, and more. The parenting time agreement is designed to help maintain a strong relationship between the child and both the custodial and non-custodial parent. If you cannot reach an agreement on your own, a Michigan parenting time attorney can assist in helping you develop a parenting time plan that works for your unique family.

Michigan Child Custody Act

Michigan’s Child Custody Act states that parenting time will be granted according to the best interests of the child. According to the Michigan courts, there are studies that show that there could be adverse consequences when a child does not have a relationship with both parents.

Any disputes over parenting time and visitation rights are also governed by the Michigan Child Custody Act. The court can also modify or change a previous parenting time order if there is proper cause or there is a change in circumstances that warrants a change. Changes to parenting time agreements can also affect child support payments, so disputes often include discussion of this issue, as well.

Factors Considered in Parenting Time Agreements

When determining parenting time, the court will look at several different factors, including:

  • Any special needs or circumstances of the child;
  • The reasonable risk of neglect or abuse of a child during parenting time or from the exercise of parenting time;
  • The inconvenience and impact on a child who is traveling to and from parenting time;
  • Whether the child is nursing, under six months of age, or less than one year if he or she receives a majority of their nutrition from nursing;
  • Has the parent frequently failed to exercise reasonable parenting time;
  • Whether or not the parent can reasonably exercise parenting time per the court’s order;
  • Non-custodial parent’s threat or actual detention of a child with the intention to keep him or her from the other parent or anyone else who has legal custody; and
  • Any other related factors.

When a Parenting Time Agreement is Not Obeyed

In the event the non-custodial parent is not obeying the terms of the parenting plan, you need to take steps to enforce it. There are a variety of possible enforcement actions that can be pursued. Some of these actions could be a “makeup” in parenting time, a hearing for civil contempt, or a modification of the existing parenting time agreement or custody provisions.

Contact a Michigan Family Law Attorney

If you need assistance with developing a parenting time agreement or trying to enforce an existing agreement, it is important to speak with a Michigan parenting time attorney. Contact our skilled Michigan family law team at the Law Offices of Robbins & Licavoli, PLLC to discuss how we can help.

Get in Touch with Robbins & Licavoli