Getting a divorce can be hard, especially when kids are involved. One big question many parents have is about shared time with their children. It’s important to understand what shared time means for everyone.
Does Shared Time Always Mean Half-and-Half?
Different Meanings: Sharing time with your child does not always mean splitting it exactly in half. Just like sharing a snack, you can give a small piece or a big piece. Sharing means both parents have time, but it doesn’t have to be even.
What the Court Thinks: The court always decides what is best for the child. They look at many things to make sure the child is happy and safe. This means a 50/50 split may not always be what they order.
- Shared time does not mean 50/50.
- It means both parents spend time with the child.
- The court decides what is best for the child.
- Parents can agree on a plan.
- A plan might not be an even split.
- The child’s needs come first.
Example: A mom and dad might share time. The child lives mostly with the mom during school. But the child spends all summer with the dad. This is shared time, but it’s not half-and-half every week.
How Do Courts Decide Shared Time Plans?
Child’s Best Needs: When parents can’t agree, the court steps in. They look at many things to make a choice that is good for the child. This includes where the child goes to school and who can best meet their daily needs.
Many Things Matter: The court will think about how old the child is. They will also think about where each parent lives. It all comes down to what makes the child’s life steady and happy.
- The court looks at what the child needs.
- They think about school and friends.
- They want the child to be safe and well.
- The child’s health is important.
- The parents’ ability to care for the child matters.
- They want to keep the child’s life steady.
Example: A judge might give one parent more time if the other parent travels a lot for work. This is because the judge wants the child to have a steady home life. The judge looks at many things to decide what is best.
What If Parents Want Equal Time?
Say What You Want: If you want equal time, you should tell the court clearly. Say that you want half of the time with your child. This helps the court know what you are asking for.
Court’s Choice: The court then checks if equal time is good for the child. They look at all the same things they do for any shared time plan. It must be what is best for the child.
- Tell the court if you want equal time.
- The court will look at many things.
- They will see if 50/50 is good for the child.
- Parents should agree if they can.
- If not, the court will decide.
- The child’s needs are always first.
Example: A mom and dad both want their child half of the time. If they live close to the school and both homes are good for the child, the court might agree to a 50/50 plan. But if one home is far, it might not work well.
Can Parents Talk It Out in Mediation?
Talk with Help: Sometimes, the court tells parents to go to mediation. This is where a trained person helps parents talk about their problems. They try to find a fair way to share time.
Find a Good Way: Mediation helps parents make a plan that works for them. It might not be perfect for everyone, but it tries to be fair. It can help avoid fighting in court.
- Mediation helps parents talk.
- A helper guides the talk.
- The goal is to find a fair plan.
- It can save time and worry.
- Parents try to agree on time.
- The child’s needs are still key.
Example: A mom and dad are fighting about holiday time. A mediator helps them talk. They decide to split holidays each year, switching off. This makes a plan they can both agree on without a judge telling them what to do.
What About Different Times of the Year?
Changing Plans: Shared time can change during the year. For example, one parent might have more time when school is in session. The other parent might have more time during summer breaks.
Fair Over Time: The goal is to make things fair over the whole year. One parent might have a lot of time in one season, and the other parent might have more in another. It balances out in the end.
- Time can shift based on school.
- Summer plans might be different.
- The goal is overall fairness.
- One parent might have more school time.
- The other parent might have more vacation time.
- It balances out in the long run.
Example: During the school year, a child lives mostly with one parent. But in the summer, the child spends two months with the other parent. This makes sure both parents get good time with the child through the year.
Are All Shared Time Plans the Same?
Every Case Is Different: No two families are exactly alike. So, no two shared time plans are exactly alike. What works for one family might not work for another.
Your Own Plan: Your shared time plan will depend on your own family’s situation. Things like where you live and your jobs matter. The most important thing is what is best for your child.
- Each family needs a special plan.
- What works for one might not for others.
- It depends on your unique family.
- Your job and home matter.
- The child’s needs guide the plan.
- It is made just for you.
Example: One family lives close to each other. This makes it easy for a child to go between homes every few days. Another family lives far apart. So, they might do longer visits, like every other week or month. Each plan fits the family.
Why Is Getting Help Important for Shared Time?
Get Good Advice: When you are trying to figure out shared time, it’s smart to get help. A lawyer who knows about Michigan family law can guide you. They can help you understand your choices.
Avoid Mistakes: A lawyer can also help you make a plan that the court will approve. They know what the court looks for. This helps make sure your plan is clear and fair.
- Get help from a lawyer.
- They know Michigan family law.
- They can help you make a good plan.
- A lawyer can explain your choices.
- They help avoid common mistakes.
- They work for your child’s best needs.
Example: A parent is unsure how to ask for more time with their child. They talk to a Michigan divorce attorney. The attorney helps them write down their wishes clearly and present them to the court in the right way.
What if the Other Parent Stops Your Time?
When Plans Break: Sometimes, one parent might not follow the shared time plan. This can be very upsetting. It’s important to know what you can do when this happens.
Steps to Take: If the other parent stops your time with your child, you may need to go back to court. The court can help make sure the plan is followed. You can find more information about this issue by watching our video on Other Parent’s Schedule Interferes With Your Parenting Time.
- The plan should be followed.
- If not, you can ask the court for help.
- The court can make them follow it.
- Keep notes if time is missed.
- Talk to your lawyer about what to do next.
- The child needs steady time.
Example: A dad is supposed to have his child every other weekend. But the mom often makes excuses why the child can’t go. The dad can go to court to make sure his time is respected. The court will remind the mom to follow the rules.
Can I Get More Time Without Fighting?
Wanting More Time: You might want more time with your child but don’t want to fight with the other parent. This is a common feeling. There are ways to try and work things out calmly.
Talking It Over: The best way is often to talk with the other parent. If you can agree, it makes things easier. You can also watch our video, I Want More Parenting Time But I Don’t Want To Argue With The Other Parent, for helpful tips.
- Try to talk to the other parent.
- Agreeing is often the best path.
- Avoid big arguments if you can.
- Think about what is fair.
- A lawyer can help you talk.
- The child’s happiness matters most.
Example: A mom wants to have her child for an extra night each week. Instead of just telling the dad, she sends a kind message asking if they can talk about it. They work together to find a time that works for everyone.
What if My Child’s Needs Change?
Life Changes: As children grow, their needs change. What worked for a baby might not work for a teenager. Your shared time plan might need to change too.
Updating the Plan: If you need to change your shared time plan, you can ask the court. They will look at the new situation and what is best for your child now. This is part of the Modifying Child Custody Orders in Michigan process.
- Children grow and change.
- Shared time plans can be updated.
- The court will review new needs.
- Tell the court about changes.
- They will look at the child’s new needs.
- The plan can be updated to fit.
Example: A child starts high school and wants to spend more time near their school friends. The parents, with the court’s help, might change the shared time plan to let the child stay mostly with the parent closer to the school during the week.
Extra Insights
Know Your Rights: It is very important to know your rights when it comes to shared time. A good lawyer can help you understand them fully. They can make sure your voice is heard in court.
Focus on the Child: Always remember that shared time is about the child. Their happiness and well-being are the most important things. Work with the other parent to make a good life for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shared Time
What is shared time in simple words? Shared time means both parents spend time with their child after a divorce. It does not always mean they split the time equally.
Does shared time mean 50/50? No, shared time does not mean 50/50. It means both parents have time, but the amount of time can be different.
Who decides shared time? Parents can agree on shared time, or a judge will decide. The judge always makes choices based on what is best for the child.
What is “best interest of the child”? This means the judge looks at what helps the child most. They want the child to be safe, happy, and well-cared for.
Can shared time plans change? Yes, shared time plans can change over time. As children grow, their needs might change, and the plan can be updated.
What is mediation in shared time? Mediation is when a neutral person helps parents talk about shared time. They try to find a plan that both parents can agree on.
Can I get help if the other parent breaks the shared time plan? Yes, if the other parent does not follow the plan, you can ask the court for help. A lawyer can guide you through this process.
What if I want more time with my child? If you want more time, you can talk to the other parent or ask the court. It helps to have a clear reason why more time is good for the child.
Do children get a say in shared time? Sometimes, older children’s wishes are considered by the court. But the judge always makes the final choice based on what is best.
Is shared time always good for children? Shared time can be good for children if parents work together. It allows children to have a strong bond with both parents.
What is a parenting plan? A parenting plan is a written paper that sets out how parents will share time and make choices for their child. It helps avoid arguments.
Where can I find a Michigan shared time lawyer? You can find help for shared time issues by visiting Child Custody Attorneys in Michigan.
For more information on family law issues in Michigan, watch our main video on Does Shared Custody Mean Equal Time With Both Parents?.
If you have questions about shared time or other family law matters, we are here to help. Our firm, Goldman & Associates, focuses on Michigan family law. Please subscribe to our channel for more helpful videos.
Call or text us today for a free consultation at (248) 590-6600. Visit ChooseGoldman.com for more help with family law issues in Michigan.