Parenting time is the opportunity for children to spend time with a parent. The phrase refers to either parent. It does not refer to which parent, if any, has sole physical custody of a child. When the custodial parent has the child, it’s called parenting time. When the non custodial parent has the child, that’s also called parenting time. Here in the Lansing area, and indeed all over Michigan, parenting time used to be known as visitation. However, nowadays, visitation normally refers to Grandparent Visitation. You can read more about grandparent rights in Michigan elsewhere on this web site.
Parenting time can be a great opportunity for children and parents to connect, bond, grow, learn and enjoy one another. Because time spent together can have such a huge impact on the well-being of the child, this time together should be regarded with the utmost respect.
When parenting time is being set either by agreement or by the court, it is a serious issue. Most parents hold their children near and dear to their hearts. Time with a child can never be regained. If parenting time schedules are in dispute, you need an attorney that not only recognizes the critical important of this, but who has experience in child custody and parenting time law in Michigan. The Kronzek Firm’s family law attorneys have decades of experience helping parents and we are ready to help you next! We are based in Lansing.
Parenting Time Overview
Parenting Time varies significantly from case to case. There are no specific rules granting parents certain amounts of parenting time. However, the judges in Ingham County, Eaton County, Clinton County and all over mid-Michigan, set parenting time based on the best interest of the children.
Our Parenting Time law can be found at MCL 722.27. An important part of our law says, “It is presumed to be in the best interests of a child for the child to have a strong relationship with both of his or her parents… parenting time shall be granted to a parent in a frequency, duration, and type reasonably calculated to promote a strong relationship between the child and the parent granted parenting time.”
Because every family situation is different, your case will be unique and will be evaluated individually by the Friend of the Court and by the Family Court. The court’s number one goal is simply to serve the best interests of the child. This means that the court will attempt to promote a strong relationship between the child and the parents granted visitation – at least where it serves the best interests of the child.
Parenting Time Schedules
In Michigan, non-custodial parents are presumed to be eligible to receive parenting time. It is extremely rare for a parent to have no parenting time except when they request it. Scheduling is variable: the court may set a specific schedule, or the court will allow for the parents to mutually agree on a parenting time schedule. The court will order a schedule with the focus of providing and protecting the custody and parenting time of both parents with respect to their children.
Parenting Time Rights
Whenever a parent is using their parenting time with their child, during that time they are also considered to have the ability to make the parenting decisions for their child. This means that, during parenting time, the parent has not only the right, but the responsibility to make ordinary decisions necessary on any and all everyday matters that will impact the child. Some of these decisions may include what foods the child eats, what time the child goes to bed, what activities the child is allowed to do, and even who the child is allowed to spend time with. It is possible, however for the court to strip a parent of these rights or for the court to modify the parenting time order.
Your Parenting Time Attorneys
When parenting time was known as visitation, the idea was that the parent with greater physical custody had greater say in decisions regarding the rights of the child. However, this is no longer true. If you feel sidelined by your child’s other parent during your parenting time, then it’s time to talk to an attorney in the Lansing office of The Kronzek Firm!
Our Child Custody Lawyers have the experience and knowledge from hundreds of cases, to help you preserve your rights in raising your child in a way that is consistent with what was decided in your divorce proceeding. Your child won’t be young forever. If your rights parenting time rights are being violated, you need to contact our family law lawyers! Call us right away to set up an initial FREE consultation.