In Michigan, family courts believe a strong relationship with both parents is in a child’s best interests, whenever possible. As such, noncustodial parents are generally granted reasonable rights of parenting time. If you and your co-parent cannot work out an arrangement, however, the court has a standard holiday schedule that allows both parents to spend time with the children on special occasions, including birthdays and holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Holiday Visitation in Michigan
Every parent wants to spend as much quality time with their children as possible, especially during the holidays. After all, the holiday season is a time for celebrating togetherness, love, and family, so it is understandable why this matter is often challenging. Although it would be ideal for parents to work out an agreement on their own, this is not always possible. In Michigan, there is a standard holiday schedule for parents to follow if they cannot hash out a schedule.
To ensure each parent maintain a strong bond with their child throughout the holidays, the court typically divides time in the following manner:
- Thanksgiving: The mother will have the children for Thanksgiving during odd years and the father will have the children for Thanksgiving during even years, beginning at 6:00 pm on Wednesday and ending on Friday at 6:00 pm.
- Winter break: The mother will have the children for the first half of the winter break during even years and the father will have the children for the first half of the winter break during odd years.
- Christmas Eve: The mother will have the children for Christmas Eve during even years and the father will have the children for Christmas Eve during the odd years, beginning on the 23rd of December at 6:00 pm and ending at 6:00 pm on the 24th.
- Christmas Day: The mother will have the children for Christmas Day during odd years and the father will have the children for Christmas Day during the even years, beginning on the 24th of December at 6:00 pm and ending at 6:00 pm on the 25th.
- Winter break: For the second half of the winter break, the mother will have the children during odd years and the father will have the children during even years.
If you and your co-parent get along, keep in mind that you would have more flexibility in your holiday visitation plan. Always try to cooperate and negotiate with your former spouse whenever possible to ensure you achieve an arrangement that best suits your needs and the needs of your children.
Contact a Knowledgeable Child Custody Attorney Today
If you wish to make changes to your holiday parenting schedule, reach out to the team at the Law Offices of Elaine Stypula, our child custody attorney has been practicing law since 1999 and has a history of proven success. No matter how complex your case might be, you can rely on us to help you achieve the best results for you and your family.
Contact us today at (248) 565-3800 to schedule a consultation!