Michigan Law establishes that minor children have the right to a relationship with both of their parents. Parenting time is the right for a non-custodial parent and child(ren) to spend time together when the court has placed custody with the other parent.
An order may grant “reasonable” rights of parenting time. This gives parents a chance to work out a comfortable schedule. Parenting time may change as a child(ren) becomes older or if one parent moves away. “Reasonable” rights allow parents to make these changes without going to court.
Some orders may provide for standard parenting time. For orders that entered before 10/1/2022 and have language in their parenting time order referencing the standard St. Clair County, Friend of Court parenting time schedule, please reference the previous guideline: Former FOC Standard Parenting Time Standard Schedule 2022-2023 This former standard schedule refers to every other weekend with a mid-week visit along with holidays and summer schedules.
Effective 10/1/2022, the parenting time guidelines have been revised. Orders entered will not reference the “standard Friend of Court schedule”. This guideline should be used as a tool to help you and the other parent work together in finding a schedule that puts the well-being of your children first. This guideline is provided to merely give examples of what a parenting time schedule may look like. Families are encouraged to work out a schedule that is best suited to promote the best interest of their children. St Clair County Friend of Court Parenting Time Guideline
If you have questions on your parenting time order relating to the standard schedule, please contact the Friend of Court office.