Parenting Time Guidelines

The parties are encouraged to work with each other to allow the minor child to spend as much time with both parents, as is appropriate. The parties should work with each other, in the event of conflicts with their Parenting Time Order, or special events, which may require that alternate parenting time arrangements be made between the parties. In the event that a cancellation of the scheduled parenting time is required, notice of at least 24 hours should be provided to the other party. Alternate parenting time should be scheduled promptly between the parties in the event of conflicts. The parties should work together for the purpose of taking into account the reasonable activities which the minor child is involved in and its impact on the Court Ordered Parenting Time.

The parents should cooperate with respect to a child to advance a child’s health, emotional, and physical well-being and to give and afford a child the affection of both parents and a sense of security. Neither parent should, directly or indirectly, influence a child so as to prejudice a child against the other parent. The parties should cooperate with each other in carrying out the provisions of their Order for a child’s best interests. Whenever it seems necessary to adjust, vary or increase the time allotted to either party, or otherwise take action regarding a child, each of the parties should act in the best interests of the child. Neither party should do anything which may estrange the other from the child, injure the child’s opinion of the other party, or otherwise hamper the free and natural development of the child for the other party.

The parties should cooperate with each other when enrolling the child(ren) in extracurricular activities to ensure that the activities do not interfere with the ability of the child(ren) to exercise parenting time with either parent. Parents should keep each other apprised of the activities of the minor child(ren), so as to allow each other to attend or participate in the activity, and to plan for flexibility in parenting time arrangements.

The requirement of the presence of third parties for supervision purposes, or the exclusion of 3rd parties during periods of parenting time with the minor child(ren), are addressed by the Court on a case by case basis upon proper petition filed by either party.

Parenting Time is for the benefit of the minor child(ren) and the parents should share transportation equally. It is customary for the parent exercising parenting time to provide transportation for the minor child(ren) at the start of his or her parenting time. For example, if father is exercising his parenting, he picks the child(ren) up at the start of his time, and mother picks the child(ren) up at the start of her parenting time. Some parties prefer to meet at a midpoint between the households for all exchanges. Where the distance between the parties is greater and air travel is required, the parties would share in the cost of the plane ticket. Transportation for midweek parenting time is traditionally the responsibility of the parent exercising parenting time.

Each parent should provide the phone numbers and addresses as to where the minor child(ren) shall be during overnight parenting time periods with each parent.

Each parent should have telephone parenting time with the minor child(ren), when the child(ren) are with the other party at reasonable times. The frequency of contact should be established on a case by case basis. In the event that the child(ren) are unavailable, the Parent receiving the call should initiate a return call to the other parent within 24 hours. Each party shall provide a working phone number to the other party for the purpose facilitating telephone parenting time. The minor child(ren) should be given reasonable privacy during telephone parenting time with the other parent.

The exchange of the minor child(ren) shall take place promptly at the times specified in the Court Order. A 1/2 hour grace period (30 minutes) should be given to allow for inclement weather and/or traffic problems. The parties are encouraged to use cell phones in the event of a delay in meeting for the parenting time exchange.

Alternate weekends are generally defined as Friday at 6:00 p.m. until Sunday at 6:00 p.m.

Mid-Week Parenting Time generally includes up to two additional dinner time visits, generally from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., on mutually convenient evenings for the parties.

Non-Custodial Parents

Summer Vacations for the non-custodial parent generally consists of up to four non-consecutive one week periods, longer periods shall be permitted upon the agreement of the parties.

• The non-custodial parent may not tack on extended summer time periods on to normal weekend parenting time, without consideration given to the custodial parent’s weekend schedule.
• The non-custodial parent shall give the custodial parent written notice (with a copy to the Friend of the Court) of the requested summer parenting time by April 1st of each year.
• The non-custodial parent shall have preference for their choice of summer parenting times, provided that the aforesaid notice is timely given to the custodial parent.

Custodial Parents

Summer Vacations for the custodial parent generally consists of two non-consecutive one week periods of uninterrupted time with the minor child(ren).

• The custodial parent shall provide notice to the non-custodial parent by April 15th of each year (with a copy to the Friend of the Court).
• In the event that the non-custodial parent takes summer parenting time in blocks of more than 14 days, the custodial parent shall have reciprocal parenting time rights during those periods.

The parents are encouraged to work together to create a holiday schedule that allows the children to participate in family traditions and practices of both parents including cultural and religious preferences. Holiday parenting time shall take precedence over other regular parenting time. Spring Break and Winter/Christmas Break parenting time shall occur in accordance with the school district calendar in which the child is enrolled. If the child is not school age, or not enrolled in a traditional school setting, parenting time shall occur in accordance with the school district calendar in which the child resides with the custodial parent. If the parents are unable to reach an agreement regarding holiday parenting time, the following schedule is a suggested guideline for parents, alternating the holidays during even and odd years. Additional information regarding parenting may be found at: Michigan Parenting Time Guidelines.

Frequent visits (up to 3) throughout the week should be permitted, for short periods of time. This is more tolerable and beneficial for the infant, and doesn’t disrupt their routine. Recommended amount of time is 1 to 4 hours to begin, and once established (parents are working well together), then one of the visits can be for up to 8 hours. Parents working together mean they are sharing information about feeding, diapering, and napping routines, and are able to discuss the child’s routine and preferences, and send familiar objects with the infant (blanket, toy, etc.)

Frequent visits (up to three) throughout the week are recommended, for short periods of time. The goal is to build up relationships between the toddler and visiting parent. Up to 12 14 months, these visits should be a half-day in length; after 12 months, visits can be extended to a full day (8 hours,) possibly both weekend days, with the child sleeping in their own bed at night in between. Parents need to spend time sharing information about the child’s routines and interaction patterns. If there is a high degree of familiarity in both homes, longer visits or extended times may be tolerated by the toddler. It is not recommended that overnights occur due to the stress created by such a separation from the primary caregiver and the risk to disturbing the child’s routines.

Frequent visits (1 to 3) throughout the week, consisting of up to 8 hours of time are recommended. If there is no relationship established, shorter visits are helpful to help the transition. If the relationship is established, overnights may be tolerable for this age if the parents are coordinating the support of these visits: taking blankets/stuffed animals, talking about coming and going, taking a picture of the absent parent, discussing the child’s behaviors and routines (eating/sleeping habits). 2 weeks in between overnights are also recommended.

Holiday parenting time schedules pose unique challenges for young children. The parents are encouraged to work together to create a holiday schedule that allows the children to participate in family traditions and practices of both parents including cultural and religious preferences . When parties are unable to reach an agreement regarding holiday parenting time during this age group the following schedule is a suggested guideline for parents: