Parent Timesharing: Parenting Time and Your Rights – ChooseGoldman

Parenting timesharing or parenting time. It’s also called visitation in Michigan. Courts make sure both parents stay involved in their child’s life after a divorce or separation. The law focuses on what is best for the child while making sure both parents get time to build a strong bond. At Goldman & Associates Law Firm, we help parents. We guide and help them create fair parenting time arrangements. One that works for their family.

Parenting Time in Michigan. Parenting time is the time a child spends with each parent when they don’t live together. It is part of custody. Some parents follow a set schedule. Others figure it out as they go. The goal is to help children stay close to both parents after a breakup.

History of Parenting Time Laws. Parenting time rules have changed over the years. Michigan’s laws were influenced by other states. The family court was created to focus on cases about children and parents. This helped judges fairly handle custody and parenting time. The goal was to make sure children had time with both parents. Divorce laws have changed too. A long time ago, a person had to prove their spouse cheated to get a divorce. Now, that is not needed. Michigan has worked to make family laws better. The most important thing is making sure children are cared for and have both parents in their lives.

Parenting Time Challenges in Michigan

Parenting time can be hard for many parents. We have heard many stories. Felt that same pain. We know. We understand your pain. Here are some of the pains our clients have to deal with as parents in a divorce:

• Balancing Schedules. Parents must plan time with their children. They also need to manage work, school, and activities. Finding a schedule that works for everyone is not always easy.
• Legal Consequences. Ignoring court-ordered parenting time can cause big problems. Parents may have to pay fines. They might have to take classes. In serious cases, they could go to jail.
• Emotional Strain. Divorce or separation can be tough on parents. It can also be hard on children. Parents must focus on what is best for their children. At the same time, they must handle their feelings.
• Flexibility and Adaptability. Things don’t always go as planned. Parents may need to change schedules for work. Emergencies can also happen. Both parents must adjust when needed.
• Distance and Travel. Some parents live far apart. Traveling to see their child can be hard. It can also be expensive. Planning long-distance visits takes extra effort.
• Special Considerations. Some children have special needs. Others have unique situations. Parents must take extra care. They need to create a schedule that works.

We know your pain. We’ve heard so much of them. Every story is unique. It’s the reason we listen. Handling these problems takes patience. Good communication also helps. Some parents need legal help to protect their child’s needs.

How Parenting Time Works in Michigan. The court looks at several things when deciding parenting time:

• The emotional bond. The connection between the child and each parent.
• The capacity of parents to care. The ability to care for and guide the child.
• The child’s school, home, and community life.
• Any history of abuse or neglect.

Parenting time schedules can be flexible or structured. Some parents share time equally, while others follow a set schedule. We work to create a plan that fits your situation. Keep you close to your child.

Modifying Parenting Time. Life changes as it always will. Sometimes a parenting time order needs to change too. You may need more time with your child. You believe the schedule is unfair. We can help you request a modification. The court will look at what has changed. It will decide if an update is needed.

How We Can Help. At Goldman & Associates Law Firm, we fight to protect your rights as a parent. We help you:

• Understand how parenting time works under Michigan law.
• Negotiate a fair schedule that keeps you involved in your child’s life.
• File for modifications if circumstances change.
• Defend against unfair restrictions on your parenting time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the most common questions parents ask about parenting time in Michigan:

How is parenting time decided?

The court will make a ruling. Keep this in mind. Courts have a bias for what is best for the child. It looks at things like the child’s relationship with each parent. How well does each parent care for the child.?

Can parenting time be changed?

Yes, parents can ask the court. They can petition to change the schedule if something important happens.

What happens if a parent denies parenting time?

If a parent refuses court-ordered time, they might get fined or have to go to more court. In worst-case scenarios, they could even go to jail.

Can grandparents get parenting time?

Sometimes, grandparents can ask for time. They wish to have time with the child. In rare cases, it is granted if it is good for the child.

What if the parents live far apart?

The court can make a special schedule to help with long distances.

How does parenting time affect child support?

More parenting time with a parent can lower how much child support they have to pay.

What if a parent just doesn’t want to see their child?

The court is not in the habit of forcing a parent. They won’t force any parent to spend time with the child. But courts will suggest counseling or help parents talk to each other.

You deserve a life with your child. Let’s make sure that happens. Let’s work together. There’s always a Michigan attorney ready to answer your questions. Call our 24/7 toll-free number at (877) 737-8800.

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