How Do Courts Set Parenting Time When Parents Disagree?

Few legal disputes carry as much emotional weight as parenting time. When parents separate, disagreements over how much time each parent spends with their child are common, and the stakes could not be higher. Each decision shapes a child’s sense of security, routine and connection to both parents.

At Van Den Heuvel Law Office, we understand how difficult these situations can be. Our goal is to help parents reach fair, workable arrangements that put the child’s best interests first. When that isn’t possible, we know how Michigan courts approach these decisions.

When parents cannot agree on a parenting time schedule, Michigan courts will:

• Establish standard schedules for the school year, summer and holidays
• Set clear rules for transportation
• Implement tools to reduce conflict between parents

What Does a Standard Parenting Time Schedule Look Like?

When parents cannot agree, a Michigan judge will order a specific parenting time schedule based on the best interests of the child. The Friend of the Court Bureau’s Parenting Time Guideline serves as a common reference point for these schedules.

A typical court-ordered schedule may include:

• Alternating weekends with the non-custodial parent
• 1 or 2 weeknight visits per week
• Shared holidays, rotating year to year
• Extended time during school breaks

The judge weighs factors such as the child’s age, each parent’s availability and the existing relationship between the child and each parent. There is no single formula; every family’s situation is evaluated on its own terms.

How Do School-Year and Summer Schedules Differ?

Courts often set separate schedules for the school year and summer months. During the school year, the priority is stability. The child typically stays primarily with one parent to maintain a consistent routine and minimize disruption to their education.

Summer schedules tend to be more flexible. The non-custodial parent may receive extended parenting time, sometimes for several consecutive weeks, to allow for vacations and deeper bonding. These arrangements are designed to balance the child’s need for structure during the school year with meaningful time for both parents throughout the year.

What Transportation Rules Do Courts Typically Order?

Transportation logistics are a frequent source of conflict. To address this, courts often include specific provisions in the parenting time order, such as:

• Which parent is responsible for pickup and drop-off
• The designated exchange location (often a neutral public place)
• What happens if a parent is late or cannot make the scheduled exchange
• How travel costs are shared for long-distance arrangements

Clear transportation rules reduce ambiguity and limit the chances of disputes arising from misunderstandings.

What Tools Do Courts Use to Reduce Parental Conflict?

When communication between parents is difficult, courts have several tools available to keep conflict from affecting the child. These include:

• Parenting coordinators: A neutral third party who helps parents resolve disputes without returning to court
• Supervised parenting time: Required when there are safety concerns about a parent
• Communication apps: Some orders specify that parents use designated co-parenting platforms to document all exchanges
• Detailed written orders: The more specific the parenting time order, the less room there is for disagreement

Courts in Michigan can also refer parents to mediation or alternate dispute resolution services through the Friend of the Court before conflicts escalate.

Move Forward With Van Den Heuvel Law Office

Parenting time disputes are stressful, but you do not have to face them alone. The attorneys at Van Den Heuvel Law Office are dedicated to helping Michigan families reach outcomes that protect their children and their parental rights. Whether you are seeking an initial order or need to modify an existing one, we are here to help. Contact our firm today to schedule an informative consultation.