When you are getting a divorce and you have children, every decision you make has double the weight. Everything you do affects not only you but your kids too. Above all, you want to ensure that you get as much parenting time with your children as possible. There is a typical parenting time schedule in the state of Michigan that many exes follow to avoid disagreements and keep things fair, but there is also room to rearrange how the time with your kids shakes out.
Typical Michigan Parenting Time Schedule
Every Michigan divorce is unique, and parenting time isn’t always the same for every divorcing couple. Depending on jobs, where each parent lives, and ages of the children and their needs, parenting time may sway more in one parent’s direction than another’s. As long as both parties agree, this arrangement can work for everyone.
Most couples look at the general parenting time schedule in Macomb County as a jumping-off point and tweak the days and holidays from there. Here are the basics:
- Regular parenting time: Weekend parenting time is every other weekend and weekday parenting time is one night per week for the non-custodial parent. Schedules can vary during the school year and summer.
- Holidays and school breaks: Holiday and break parenting time overrides the regular parenting time schedule temporarily. Recognized holidays include: Easter/spring break, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day weekend, Father’s Day Fourth of July, Labor Day weekend, Halloween, Thanksgiving weekend, winter break/Christmas, mid-winter break. Many of these holidays go to the custodial parent in odd-numbered years and the non-custodial parent in even-numbered years, with some exceptions in between for fairness.
- Summer parenting time: Regular parenting time is followed except each parent gets three solid weeks, two consecutively.
- Child’s birthday: This special occasion is given to each parent on alternating years, though some parents do try to get along for the sake of their child to have this celebration together.
The Best Parenting Time Schedule for You
Clearly, parenting time can be confusing. There are many times during the year when you will want to be with your children but your ex is scheduled to have them. Negotiations are important during your divorce proceedings and your Michigan divorce attorney can aid you in developing and proposing a fair parenting time schedule.
What’s most important to know is that once the schedule is developed, it must be followed. Consistency is important not only legally, but for the sake of your kids. They will depend on this schedule as much as you do, and it will help them manage their daily life when they know where they’ll be and who they’ll be with every week.
You will be establishing a new life all the way around during your divorce, perhaps moving to a new residence, getting a new car, starting a new job, and so on. Your typical support system will be different and knowing what to expect and when will help you too as you adjust to a new way of life, with and without your kids.
Parenting Time Is a Privilege
The court considers it in the best interest of the child to have both parents involved in their life and supports shared custody and reasonable parenting time. Get the support you need in your Michigan divorce from Michigan Divorce Help. Schedule a complimentary consultation.