Parenting Time Considerations

Parenting Time Considerations involve factors that help determine a fair and practical schedule for both parents and the child. These include the child’s age, school schedule, each parent’s availability, the distance between homes, and the child’s emotional and physical needs.

Parenting
Telephone Contact
Parents are encouraged to communicate and work together in the best interest of their child. Generally, this means that each parent should allow the child reasonable access to the other parent by telephone, email, or text during parenting time. This contact should in no way be excessive, nor should it interfere with parenting time. Although contact is encouraged, the Friend of the Court can only enforce what is specifically stated in the court order.
Extracurricular and Sporting Events
Extracurricular activities for a child are generally positive and should be encouraged. However, parents must communicate and cooperate with one another before enrolling the child in extracurricular activities. Neither parent should enroll the child in excessive activities which serve to interfere with the other parent’s ability to spend time with the child. Both parents may attend the child’s extracurricular events regardless if it is their parenting time.
Out-of-State Parenting Time

Unless prohibited by court order, either parent may take the child out of the state or country for vacation during their parenting time. However, neither parent shall exercise parenting time in a foreign country/nation that is not a party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of the International Child Abduction unless both parties agree in writing with a copy provided to the Friend of the Court as required by MCL 722.27a(9). A list of countries that are a partner to the Hague Convention of the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is found here.

Pick Up and Drop Off Times

Parents are encouraged to communicate with each other in the event they are going to be late or need to return the child early. A 30-minute grace period applies, in the event of unforeseen circumstances. If the parent has not appeared for the parenting time exchange during this period, parenting time will be considered forfeited unless the parties agree to other arrangements. Remember, nothing disappoints a child more than to be kept waiting to be picked up, or even worse, never to be picked up at all.

Non-Specific Orders
Orders which provide for “reasonable” parenting time. If your court order states that a parent has reasonable parenting time as agreed to between the parents, the parents must mutually agree to a schedule. However, the parent with primary physical custody should not deny the other parent all access to the child. If the parents cannot agree upon a schedule, the parents make seek mediation services if both parties agree. If both parties do not agree to mediation, then one of the parents will have to file a motion with the Court to have the schedule determined through a court order.
Prescription Medication
Prescription medications shall be sent with the child for parenting time and shall be returned with the child. All medication must be administered to the child as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
Car Seats
Car seats are required by law. An approved infant seat, booster seat, or child car seat must be used at all times. The FOC does not enforce the law so please do not report any violations of this law to the FOC office.