Michigan Guide to Child Custody
Where to begin:
Michigan child custody and parenting time overview
Answers to your questions about custody in Michigan. How is it decided? What factors does the court consider? How long does it take? Do I need a lawyer?
Working with MI Friend of the Court offices on custody
Your Friend of the Court office can play a big part in your case, even making recommendations to the judge. Learn everything you need to know about the FOC.
Michigan parenting time and visitation schedules
Follow these guidelines to create your required parenting time schedule. Learn about different types of Michigan parenting time, common visitation schedules and more.
Michigan parenting plan and custody agreement guidelines
Follow these guidelines to make a highly-recommended parenting plan that helps you avoid returning to court. See specific provisions recommended by legal professionals.
Michigan child support: Factors and examples
Instantly determine your child support by entering your incomes, parenting time and number of children. See how different parenting times affect the total.
Going to court:
8 steps to child custody: Michigan's court process
The custody process from start to finish. File a case, get orders for temporary custody, prepare for your final custody hearing and more.
Filing for child custody in Michigan: 5 steps
Follow these steps to start your Michigan custody case. Learn about the type of case you'll have, the forms you need, how to serve papers and more.
Michigan custody investigations: What parents need to know
Recommendations from custody investigators can become court orders, so don't go into an investigation unprepared. Find out why they're ordered, what to expect and more.
Michigan child custody hearings: What to expect
Are you ready for the hearings your custody case might require? Learn about the types of hearings, what to expect and how to prepare.
Staying out of court:
Settling child custody in Michigan: 6 steps
Settling is the fastest, least expensive way to resolve custody and parenting time. Follow these steps to settle your case.
Alternative ways to decide custody in Michigan
These methods for deciding custody outside the courtroom are quickly gaining popularity in Michigan. Could one work for you?
Prepare for child custody mediation in Michigan
If you enter mediation ready, you're more likely to leave with an agreement. Understand mediation so you get the best outcome for your children.
More on Michigan custody:
3 types of Michigan child custody orders
Learn about the types of orders the court can issue and how long each one lasts. Plus, how to be sure you're following your court orders.
Modifying and enforcing Michigan custody orders
What happens when a parent violates custody or child support orders? Or when one wants to change the parenting time schedule? How to enforce and change custody orders.
Special circumstances in Michigan child custody
Not married to the other parent? Have a criminal history? Learn how these and other circumstances may affect the child custody process.
7 ways to use the Custody X Change app in Michigan
Custody X Change can simplify and shorten your Michigan custody case, with better outcomes. Use it to replace court forms, negotiate, settle and more.
Michigan custody resources and support
Need more information? Direct links to Friend of the Court offices and our professional sources, plus help for low-income parents.