
Any divorce in Michigan between a couple who have children automatically involves determination of parenting time. Same-sex parents must decide whether the parents will share joint custody and draw up a parenting time schedule. Here is a primer on typical parenting time arrangements in a same-sex divorce in Michigan.
Parenting Time in an LGBTQ Divorce in Michigan
The plaintiff in a Michigan same-sex divorce typically follows the parenting time schedule of a mother while the defendant follows a father’s schedule. This includes regular daily and weekly parenting time, holidays, and breaks.
Every divorce is unique, and conversations will need to be had to determine how parents split their time with their children, but the following guidance serves as a jumping-off point for how Macomb County, Michigan’s, basic parenting time guidelines break down.
Regular Parenting Time in Michigan
Regular parenting time includes weekend and weekday time for both parents but the following permissions for the non-custodial parent:
- Every other weekend from 6 p.m. Friday until 7 p.m. Sunday (8 p.m. in summer).
- One agreed-upon night per week from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on school days (9 p.m. in summer).
Parenting Time During Holidays and Breaks
Holidays and breaks take precedence over regular parenting time. Recognized holidays and breaks include the following:
- Memorial Day weekend (non-custodial parent every year)
- Labor Day weekend (custodial parent every year)
- Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving weekend, Easter/spring break (defendant in even-numbered years, plaintiff in odd-numbered years)
- Mother’s Day and Father’s Day (can be celebrated with both parents on the appropriate day or parents agree to split the holidays)
- Christmas/winter break (split on even- and odd-numbered years so each parent has the child on Christmas every other year)
- Mid-winter break (defendant in odd-numbered years, plaintiff in even-numbered years)
- Child’s birthday (alternating years with holiday and break time schedule superseding the birthday time schedule)
Special Parenting Time Circumstances
Parents who have infants or toddlers often build special arrangements into their parenting time schedule to honor the child’s nursing schedule, sleep schedule, and other basic needs.
Parenting Time in Summer for LGBTQ Parents
Instead of plenty of rest and relaxation in summer, this time of year can be busier than ever, especially for divorced people who want to make the most of their time with their kids. Working around camps, vacations, and time with friends and family time isn’t easy, but this schedule is somewhere to start:
- Three weeks of summer parenting time total.
- Two consecutive weeks of time and the regular schedule is honored at all other times.
- Exchange parenting time dates and schedule by May 15 for planning purposes.
Get Support for Your Same-Sex Divorce in Michigan
As with all divorce matters, your parenting time schedule affects your child. It’s easy to put yourself first and think about how much you want to be with your kids, but their needs and priorities matter too. In the state of Michigan, same-sex parents – biological or non-biological – have equal rights to parenting time.
Get parenting time and divorce support from an established family law attorney. Contact Michigan Divorce Help in Mt. Clemens to schedule a consultation.
This blog post does not substitute for legal advice.