Custody

Parenting time refers to the time your child spends with the non-custodial parent. This is also commonly known as visitation. If the parents reach an agreement about parenting time, then the judge will accept this agreement unless the judge believes it’s not in the best interest of the child.¹ When your child has parenting time with the other parent, that parent will decide routine matters related to the child, such as the child’s bedtime, who the child sees, what the child eats, etc.²

Michigan law assumes that the best interest of the child is to have a strong relationship with both of his/her parents.³ So, parenting time will likely be distributed in a way that promotes a strong bond between the child and both parents. However, the judge will not presume it’s best for your child to spend time with both parents if you can show by clear and convincing evidence that it would put your child’s physical, mental, or emotional health in danger.⁴ You can see more information about this on our question How will a judge make a decision about parenting time?

¹ MCL § 722.27a(2)
² MCL § 722.27a(11)
³ MCL § 722.27a(1)
⁴ MCL § 722.27a(3)