Michigan's One Court of Justice
What is Parenting Time?
The Role of the Court
Court Orders
Hearings
Court Can Order Parenting Time
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
How to Ask the Court to Set Up or Change a Parenting Time Order

To ask the court to decide a parenting time issue, you must file a motion and schedule a hearing. A motion is a written request that the judge make a decision regarding an issue in a case. The forms for filing a motion and instructions for filing the forms are available at the friend of the court office.

  • You may file a motion for parenting time if no previous order contains parenting time provisions and if your case is one of the types of cases in which the court is allowed to order parenting time.

  • You may file a motion for a more specific ruling if the provisions of a previous court order are unclear.

  • You may file a motion to change the parenting time schedule in your court order.

  • You may hire a lawyer to file the motion, or you may file the motion without a lawyer’s help.
The friend of the court is not allowed to tell parents what to write in a motion or what to say in court.