Michigan Parenting Time Guidelines

In Michigan, the term parenting time refers to the schedule of time each parent spends with their child after a divorce or separation. Parenting time is governed by MCL 722.27a, which establishes that it is in the best interest of a child to have a strong relationship with both parents. Michigan courts use the Friend of the Court Parenting Time Guidelines to create schedules that serve the child’s developmental needs while preserving meaningful relationships with both parents.

Understanding these guidelines — and how courts apply the best interest factors — is essential for any parent going through a custody case in Michigan. For a general overview of parenting arrangements nationwide, see our guide on parenting plans.

The Legal Framework: MCL 722.27a

Michigan’s parenting time statute, MCL 722.27a, establishes several important principles:

• Parenting time is a right. A parent is entitled to reasonable parenting time unless the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that parenting time would endanger the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health.
• The court must consider the best interest of the child. All parenting time orders must serve the child’s well-being, not the parents’ preferences.
• Specific parenting time is preferred. Michigan courts favor detailed, specific parenting time orders over vague provisions like “reasonable parenting time as the parties agree,” because specific schedules reduce conflict and provide certainty for both parents and children.
• Both parents have a right to access school and medical records unless restricted by court order.

Friend of the Court Parenting Time Guidelines

Each Michigan circuit court, through the Friend of the Court (FOC), publishes parenting time guidelines that provide recommended schedules. While these guidelines are not mandatory, they serve as the starting point for most parenting time orders and carry significant influence with judges. The Michigan Friend of the Court Bureau also publishes a statewide model set of guidelines.

The guidelines typically provide recommended schedules for several categories:

Infants and Toddlers (Birth to 2 Years)

For very young children, the guidelines generally recommend:

• Frequent, shorter visits with the noncustodial parent to maintain the bond without disrupting the child’s routine
• Limited or no overnight parenting time in many counties, particularly for infants under 6 months
• Gradual increases in visit length and frequency as the child grows
• Daytime visits of 2 to 6 hours, several times per week

The approach for young children reflects developmental research on attachment. Courts recognize that very young children need consistency and familiar caregivers, but also that building a relationship with both parents early in life is important.

Preschool Children (Ages 3 to 5)

As children grow, the guidelines typically expand parenting time to include:

• Overnight visits, often starting with one overnight per week
• Midweek visits in addition to weekend time
• Extended holiday time, though shorter than for older children
• Transition to a schedule closer to the standard arrangement as the child approaches school age

School-Age Children (Ages 6 to 12)

For school-age children, the standard parenting time guidelines in most Michigan counties provide:

• Alternating weekends, typically Friday evening to Sunday evening or Monday morning
• One midweek evening per week, often Wednesday, for a few hours or overnight
• Extended summer parenting time, commonly four to six weeks
• Holiday and school break schedules as outlined below

Teenagers (Ages 13 to 17)

The guidelines for teenagers often allow for greater flexibility to accommodate:

• The teenager’s own social activities, sports, and commitments
• The teenager’s preferences regarding the schedule
• Longer blocks of time with each parent
• More input from the teenager in shaping the arrangement

Courts recognize that rigid schedules may be counterproductive for older teenagers, and the guidelines generally allow more room for adjustment.

Best Interest Factors: MCL 722.23

All custody and parenting time decisions in Michigan are governed by the best interest of the child standard set forth in the Child Custody Act of 1970, MCL 722.23. The court evaluates 12 statutory factors:

1. The love, affection, and other emotional ties existing between the parties involved and the child
2. The capacity and disposition of the parties to give the child love, affection, and guidance, and to continue the child’s education and raising in the child’s religion or creed
3. The capacity and disposition of the parties to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care, and other material needs
4. The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment, and the desirability of maintaining continuity
5. The permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or proposed custodial home
6. The moral fitness of the parties
7. The mental and physical health of the parties
8. The home, school, and community record of the child
9. The reasonable preference of the child, if the court considers the child to be of sufficient age to express a preference
10. The willingness and ability of each party to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent
11. Domestic violence, regardless of whether directed against the child
12. Any other factor considered by the court to be relevant

Factor 10 is particularly important in parenting time disputes. Courts look unfavorably on parents who attempt to restrict or undermine the other parent’s relationship with the child.

For more on how courts apply these factors, see our article on how is child custody determined.

Holiday and School Break Schedules

Michigan’s parenting time guidelines include detailed provisions for holidays and school breaks. The typical approach is to alternate holidays between parents each year. Common provisions include:

Additional considerations:

• Mother’s Day is typically spent with the mother; Father’s Day with the father, regardless of the regular schedule.
• The child’s birthday may be split or alternated.
• School breaks are often divided equally, with each parent receiving half of winter break and spring break in alternating years.
• Holiday schedules take priority over the regular parenting time schedule.

Overnights for Young Children

The question of overnight parenting time for very young children is one of the most debated topics in Michigan family law. Different counties apply different standards, and the research is evolving.

Some Michigan FOC offices follow a cautious approach, limiting overnights for children under age 2 or 3. Others allow overnights earlier, particularly when:

• The noncustodial parent has been actively involved in the child’s care since birth
• The child is comfortable with the noncustodial parent
• The noncustodial parent has appropriate sleeping arrangements and supplies
• There are no safety concerns

If overnights are initially restricted, the guidelines typically include a step-up plan that phases in overnights as the child matures.

Long-Distance Parenting Time

When parents live far apart — whether across the state or across the country — the standard parenting time schedule is impractical. Michigan courts address long-distance situations by:

• Awarding extended blocks of parenting time during school breaks, summer vacation, and holidays to the long-distance parent
• Allowing for virtual parenting time via video calls as a supplement (not a replacement) for in-person contact
• Allocating transportation costs between the parties, often proportional to income
• Requiring advance notice for travel plans

For more on how relocation affects custody arrangements, see our article on relocation and custody.

Modification of Parenting Time

Parenting time orders can be modified when circumstances change. Under MCL 722.27, a parent seeking modification must show:

• Proper cause or a change of circumstances that warrants revisiting the existing order
• That the proposed modification is in the child’s best interest

Common reasons for seeking modification include:

• A parent’s relocation
• Changes in the child’s school schedule or activities
• A parent’s change in work schedule
• Safety concerns, such as substance abuse or domestic violence
• The child aging into a different developmental stage

Modification requests are filed with the court, and the Friend of the Court typically investigates before making a recommendation.

What to Do Next

If you are establishing or modifying a parenting time arrangement in Michigan, the following steps can help protect your interests and your relationship with your child:

1. Review your county’s FOC guidelines. Each county’s Friend of the Court publishes its own set of guidelines. Familiarize yourself with the specific recommendations for your county.
2. Focus on the child’s best interests. Courts and the FOC evaluate parents based on how well they prioritize the child’s needs. Document your involvement in your child’s daily life.
3. Propose a detailed schedule. Vague arrangements create conflict. Come prepared with a specific, workable schedule that accounts for school, activities, holidays, and transportation.
4. Keep records. Maintain a log of your parenting time, communication with the other parent, and involvement in the child’s education and medical care.
5. Consult with a Michigan family law attorney. Parenting time disputes involve both the statutory best interest factors and local FOC practices. An experienced attorney can help you navigate both.

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your Michigan parenting time questions with an experienced family law attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do courts favor mothers over fathers in custody cases?

Legally, no. Modern family law requires courts to evaluate custody based on the child’s best interests without regard to the parent’s gender. While historical bias existed, courts today increasingly award shared custody to both parents when both are fit and involved.

What can fathers do to strengthen their custody case?

Fathers should stay actively involved in their children’s daily lives, attend school events and medical appointments, maintain a safe and stable home, document their involvement, and avoid conflict with the other parent. Consulting a family law attorney early can help develop the strongest case.

Do unmarried fathers have custody rights?

Yes, but unmarried fathers typically must first establish legal paternity through a voluntary acknowledgment or court order. Once paternity is established, unmarried fathers have the same right to seek custody and visitation as married fathers.

What is joint custody versus sole custody?

Joint custody means both parents share responsibility — either decision-making (joint legal custody), physical time (joint physical custody), or both. Sole custody means one parent has primary or exclusive authority. Joint custody does not necessarily mean equal time.