Michigan's One Court of Justice
What is Parenting Time?
How the Law Views Parenting Time
Why it Matters to Children
What is a Standard Schedule?
When Should PT Not Occur?
How to Get Parenting Time
The Role of the Court
Making the Most of Parenting Time
Role of Friend of the Court
Michigan Parenting Time Guideline
Frequently Asked Questions
Links
Parenting Time
When Should Parenting Time Not Be Allowed?

When parenting time is ordered by the court, parents are expected to follow the order; however, parents also must act responsibly to protect their children when parenting time threatens a child’s immediate health or safety. There is no simple answer to the question of when a parent should not allow parenting time.

Judge

The SCAO Make-Up Parenting Time Policy outlines several situations in which it may (or may not) be appropriate to deny parenting time.

Here are some possibly valid reasons for denying parenting time:
  • Your child has a major illness documented in writing by the doctor treating your child.
  • A parent is under the influence of drugs or alcohol when parenting time is scheduled.
  • A parent attempts to transport a child in violation of the law, such as without a car seat when one is legally required.
Here are some examples that do not justify denying parenting time:
  • You don't want your child to go.
  • Your child refuses to go.
  • Your child has a minor illness.
A good guideline is to ask: "If we were still together, would the child be alone with the other parent under these same circumstances?" If yes, then parenting time is appropriate.

If you believe that parenting time should not occur, it's your responsibility to attempt to change your court order.