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Understanding Parenting Time In Michigan

Parenting time in Michigan is governed by the child custody act. The court’s primary consideration in awarding parenting time is the best interests of the child. Unless there is compelling evidence to the contrary, it is presumed under Michigan law that the child’s best interests are served by having a strong relationship with both parents.

Issues involving parenting time can become quite complex, and it is important to have a qualified Michigan visitation lawyer who will work to protect your parental rights without neglecting your child’s best interests. At Lana Panagoulia Law, PLLC, we are committed to protecting the rights of mothers and fathers in all aspects of these cases.

“A few years ago, I was having trouble with my ex-wife involving custody of my son. Several actions were committed by my ex-wife that directly related to my son’s safety and well-being. I called Lana on a Thursday morning and after hearing what my case was, she immediately began preparing motions and the very next day, I was in front of the judge pleading my case. I was immediately granted temporary custody of my son and two weeks later, I was ultimately granted permanent full custody of my son. I could not have done this without Lana’s professionalism and prompt services. I would highly recommend that you contact Lana Panagoulia if you are ever in need of a great attorney.”
— Anonymous client on Avvo Inc.

What The Court Considers When Awarding Parenting Time

According to the Michigan Child Custody Act, MCL 722.27a(6), the court may consider the following factors when determining the frequency, duration and type of parenting time to be granted:

(a) The existence of any special circumstances or needs of the child.

(b) Whether the child is a nursing child less than six months of age, or less than 1 year of age if the child receives substantial nutrition through nursing.

(c) The reasonable likelihood of abuse or neglect of the child during parenting time.

(d) The reasonable likelihood of abuse of a parent resulting from the exercise of parenting time.

(e) The inconvenience to, and burdensome impact or effect on, the child of traveling for purposes of parenting time.

(f) Whether a parent can reasonably be expected to exercise parenting time in accordance with the court order.

(g) Whether a parent has frequently failed to exercise reasonable parenting time.

(h) The threatened or actual detention of the child with the intent to retain or conceal the child from the other parent or from a third person who has legal custody. A custodial parent’s temporary residence with the child in a domestic violence shelter shall not be construed as evidence of the custodial parent’s intent to retain or conceal the child from the other parent.

(i) Any other relevant factors.

MCL 722.27a(6)

Schedule a Consultation With Our Michigan Fathers’ Rights Lawyer

Unless an unmarried man is listed on the birth certificate as the legal father, or the mother and father have signed an acknowledgment of parentage, unmarried fathers in Michigan have to be proactive in protecting their rights as fathers.

Depending on the legal status of the man, an action to determine his custody, parenting time and support rights for his children can be done by any number of means, including through the following types of actions: divorce, separate maintenance, paternity, support and custody.

“All too often fathers are never treated favorably in divorce; however, when my case became extremely stressful, I was confident that my attorney would address every disputed issue in a professional manner. She was committed to my case and her leadership in court was very well respected by others in the legal profession. I wholeheartedly recommend attorney Panagoulia as the best family law/divorce attorney in Michigan! — Anonymous client on Avvo Inc.

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with our Michigan parenting time attorney. You can reach our office at 734-769-LANA or via email.

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