What Oakland County Parents Need to Know
During summer in Michigan, the end of the school year means new routines, family trips, camps, and longer days. For divorced parents in Oakland County and cities such as Troy, Farmington Hills, Bloomfield Hills, Southfield, Novi, Walled Lake, and Commerce, this often presents a new set of challenges regarding parenting time schedules and their management.
Below are some Michigan-specific considerations and guidance for creating a workable summer schedule that prioritizes your children’s best interests while also respecting each parent’s time and commitments.
1. Understanding Michigan Parenting Time Schedules
To encourage both parents to maintain a meaningful relationship with their children, parenting time orders in Oakland County, Livingston County and Macomb Court often provide for longer visitation periods for the non-custodial parent during summer break. There is no “standard” summer visitation schedule, but there are examples of commonly used schedules in Metro Detroit.
In Oakland County, judges often support summer parenting time schedules that deviate from the school year plans to account for the change in the child’s daily routine. For example, a common arrangement might grant the non-custodial parent, who normally gets every other weekend, an extra two to four weeks with the child. This extra time may be consecutive or broken up in whatever way works best for the child and the parent during the summer months. Our family law attorneys see this same summer schedule change in Livingston County, Macomb County and Washtenaw County.
2. Examples of Summer Visitation Options
Here are a few common summer schedules used by Southeast Michigan families:
- Two consecutive weeks in June and two in July. Sometimes, there are also two additional weeks in August.
- Alternating weeks: This plan works well for co-parents who live close together in places like Oakland County.
- All summer with the non-custodial parent: This plan is rare but typically occurs when the non-custodial parent lives far away, and the child is unable to have regular visitation during the school year. However, when the non-custodial parent does get the entire summer, we often recommend allowing the non-custodial parent a day or two here and there to allow the children to see that parent during the summer.
Regardless of which schedule is agreed upon or ordered by the family court judge, both parents must be proactive in confirming dates, times, transportation, and activity conflicts well in advance. As always, communication between the parents is super important.
3. Adjustments for Special Considerations
Parents should consider circumstances that may affect the schedule:
- Summer School or Camps: If a child is enrolled in summer programs, Michigan courts prioritize the child’s pre-scheduled activities, and parents must take that into consideration and make the necessary adjustments to the schedule. This should not be misunderstood. Kids and parents need to maintain a close and continuing relationship, but parents also need to understand that their kids want and need their activities too.
- Special Needs: Children with special needs may require a more gradual transition to avoid disrupting their daily routines, particularly if they have limited experience with one parent.
- Young Children or Breastfeeding Infants: Michigan courts often take a child’s age and emotional needs into consideration, modifying extended time for very young children if needed.
4. FAQs for Michigan Summer Parenting Time
- Can summertime be denied? If the parenting time order specifies a schedule or process for selecting dates, a parent may not unilaterally deny the other’s request. Disputes may require court intervention. Unless there is a very serious, genuine emergency, court orders must always be obeyed.
- Does summer parenting time replace regular weekend visits? Generally, the order will specify whether the extended visits are in addition to or instead of the regular visits.
- What if my child refuses to go? Parents are generally obligated to follow court orders. However, if a child is old enough and has strong objections, the parent should consider petitioning for a modification of the schedule based on the child’s best interests. Parenting time is a decision made by adults, not by the children.
- Can my ex take the child on international trips? International travel to a country that has signed the Hague Convention Treaty is generally permitted, but it works best when both parents agree.
- What if parenting time isn’t followed? You can file a motion for enforcement with the Oakland County Circuit Court. Repeated violations may result in sanctions or modifications to custody.
5. Practical Tips for Smooth Summer Parenting Time
- Put plans in writing: Confirm dates, transportation arrangements, and any exceptions in advance.
- Be flexible when possible: Life happens. A healthy co-parenting relationship is better for the child’s well-being.
- Stay child-focused: Summer should be a time for children to relax and enjoy quality time with both parents. Avoid putting them in the middle of the conflict.
- Utilize local resources: Many cities, such as Royal Oak and Farmington Hills, often offer local parenting support groups and legal clinics to help families navigate potential issues.
- When you travel with the child, provide complete information to the other parent for safety reasons. If there is an emergency, both parents need to know where the child is located. It’s also the courteous thing to do. Remember to ensure the child’s medical insurance will cover medical care while on vacation outside the USA.
6. Seeking Modifications
If a parenting plan no longer meets your family’s needs, your attorney can file a motion for modification under Michigan law. Courts require a showing of a material change in circumstances to the point that the original order is no longer in the child’s best interest. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg..
Conclusion
Whether you live in Rochester, Howell, Brighton, Royal Oak, Ferndale, Auburn Hills, or elsewhere in Oakland or Livingston County, summer parenting time in Michigan requires proactive communication and a focus on your child’s overall well-being. The summer months offer a unique opportunity to deepen the parent-child relationship. If you’re uncertain about your rights or responsibilities or if disputes arise, speaking to one of our Michigan family law attorneys can help.
At The Kronzek Firm, our experienced attorneys can help you navigate complex issues such as:
- Establishing child custody arrangements and modifications
- Relocation of the custodial parent
- Choice of schools
- Enforcement of court orders
📞 Our attorneys have assisted thousands of Michigan clients for over 30 years. You can reach our Farmington Hills office 24/7 by calling (248) 479-6200.
[Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for personalized guidance.]