Howell Parenting Time Attorney

Once the physical custody of children has been established during a divorce, the parents should attempt to work together to arrange specific visitation and parenting time schedules. This is not always the easiest thing to work out between work schedules, school vacation times and holidays. In Michigan, when you meet with Kimberly Robbins, you’ll be asked numerous questions regarding co-parenting.

Parenting Time: Important for the Child

It is nearly always in the best interest of the child or children to have access to both parents. When parents live apart, there must be a plan in place to ensure the child can continue a strong relationship with the non-custodial parent. When parents cannot agree between them on what works best for their child and themselves, the court will consider various factors to help create a parenting plan that serves the child’s best interest. Some factors may include:

  • Willingness of parents– a parenting plan only works well if both parents are willing to work to ensure the visitations are occurring. This means the parent without physical custody must be willing to visit the child and that the custodial parent is willing to make the child accessible to the non-custodial parent.
  • Factors of convenience – in some cases, parents live too far apart to make a weekly visitation or parenting plan workable. In these instances, the courts may grant additional time during school vacations to the non-custodial parent.
  • Needs of the child – in nearly all cases, the court will consider the physical and emotional needs of the child in creating a parenting plan. This means taking into consideration whether there is any abuse in the parent/child relationship, whether the non-custodial parent is providing a safe environment, etc.

Parents should discuss their concerns over parenting plans with Kimberly Robbins, particularly if one partner has been abusive during the marriage or subsequent divorce proceedings. Keep in mind, except for seeking shelter after a domestic violence incident, parents are not allowed to keep their child from the other parent.

Working With our Law Office to Craft Parenting Plans

When parents can work out a suitable arrangement between themselves, this is often better for the parents as well as the child. If you and your partner can agree on a parenting plan, the plan can be presented to the court for approval. However, when you and your partner cannot agree, we have helped parents in Livingston County, Oakland County, Washtenaw County (in many cities including: Howell, Ann Arbor, Pinckney, Fowlerville, Waterford, Pontiac, Ypsilanti, Novi, Brighton, Wixom and many other cities).

Whether you are seeking an attorney to help you draft a parenting plan or you are at a stage where it must go to the courts for a decision, contact  the Law Office of Kimberly S. Robbins, P.C. at 248-594-5920 for help.