Michigan's One Court of Justice
What is Parenting Time?
The Role of the Court
Court Orders
Hearings
Court Can Order Parenting Time
Do Not Like Judge's Decision
Setup and Change a Parenting Time Order
Making the Most of Parenting Time
Role of Friend of the Court
Michigan Parenting Time Guideline
Frequently Asked Questions
Links
Parenting Time
Court Orders

A court order is a document, signed by a judge, that summarizes the judge’s decision and explains everyone’s obligations. When a court order mentions parenting time, it usually will describe in detail how the parenting time will be divided. Unless there is a court order concerning parenting time, neither the court nor the friend of the court can enforce a parenting time schedule, no matter how reasonable it may seem.
  • Unless you have a court order, the friend of the court has no authority to require or limit parenting time.
  • There are a few types of cases in which the court only has authority to decide questions about support, not questions about parenting time.

For more information, see: